WHERE ARE THE HOME PRICES HEADED?

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why I like the Home Price Expectation Survey.

Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment & market strategists about where they believe prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.

The results of their latest survey:

Home values will appreciate by 5.0% over the course of 2017, 4.0% in 2018, 3.2% in 2019, 3.0% in 2020, and 3.0% in 2021. That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.64% over the next 5 years.

The prediction for cumulative appreciation increased from 17.8% to 18.4% by 2021. The experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey are projecting a cumulative appreciation of 6.7%.

Bottom line, unless we have some major discrepancy or an earthquake in California, home prices are going to continue to rise.  Interest rates are at an all time low, what are you waiting for? Higher prices, higher interest rates? Contact me today to start the process of making a move. 661-510-5370

**Top 10 Reasons To List Your House During The Holidays**

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Every year I hear from sellers that the holidays are not a good time to sell a home.  The unbelievable part is, it's one of the best times of years to make a move! 

Here are the top 10 reasons to make a move during the holidays:

1. People who are spending their time looking at property during the holidays are MOTIVATED serious buyers and are more ready to make a move!
2. Many sellers are going to wait until after the holidays to list their homes which means less competition for your home.
3. Houses "show better" when tastefully decorated for the holidays with the pretty lights and festive colors associated with the season.
4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feeling they receive when viewing a home.
5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because many people have time off from work to purchase a home.
6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.
7. January is traditionally the month for job transfers. Transferees can't wait until the spring to buy and these buyers need a home now.
8. Many home buyers dedicate a larger portion of their house hunting time during the holidays to searching online, but if your home is not on the market it won't be seen.
9. You can have a daily showing schedule, create blackout dates, and take calls around your holiday events .
10. Many buyers want to be in a new home for Christmas. Maybe that is your goal? A bigger home, living room, dining room for the family.

Whatever the reason you want to make a move, the holidays are a perfect time to make a move, call me today, 661-702-4767, or visit www.SellingSCVHome.com for a complete market evaluation of your home.  

***Do You Have Positive Equity In Your Home?***

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that one million borrowers regained equity in their homes in 2015. The outlook for 2016 remains positive as well, as an additional 850,000 properties would regain equity if home prices rose another 5% this year.  The study also revealed: 95% of homes valued over $200,000 now have a positive equity position 87% of homes valued under $200,000 have entered a positive position The 11.5% growth in home equity in Q4 marked the 13th consecutive quarter of double digit gains Below is a map showing the percentage of homes with a mortgage, in each state, that have positive equity. (The states in gray have insufficient data to report.)  Significant Equity Is On The Rise Anand Nallathambi, President & CEO of CoreLogic, believes this is great news for the “long-term health of the U.S. economy.” He went on to say: “The number of homeowners with more than 20% equity is rising rapidly. Higher prices driven largely by tight supply are certainly a big reason for the rise, but continued population growth, household formation and ultralow interest rates are also factors.” Of the 91.5% of homeowners with positive equity in the US, 72.6% have significant equity (defined as more than 20%). This means that nearly three out of four homeowners with a mortgage could use the equity in their current home to purchase a new home now. The map below shows the percentage of homes with a mortgage, in each state, with significant equity. Bottom Line If you are one of the many homeowners who is unsure of how much equity you have in your home and are curious about your ability to move, click here and receive a copy of a free market evaluation of your home.

Groundhog? No groundhog? Why You Should Sell Before Spring

 Is spring closer than we think? Depending on which Groundhog you witnessed, you may have less time than you think to get your home on the market before the busy spring season. Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. However, the next six weeks before spring hits also have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to sell now. 

1. Demand is Strong

Foot traffic refers to the number of people out actually physically looking at homes right now. The latest foot traffic numbers show that buyers are still out in force looking for their dream home. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now! Take advantage of the strong buyer activity currently in the market. 

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing supply just dropped to 1.5 months in the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas, which is well under the 6 months’ supply that is needed for a normal housing market. This means, in many areas, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last three years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market in the near future. Also, new construction of single-family homes is again beginning to increase. A study by Harris Poll revealed that 41% of buyers would prefer to buy a new home while only 21% prefer an existing home (38% had no preference). The choices buyers have will increase in the spring. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. There is less overall business done in the winter. Therefore, the process will be less onerous than it will be in the spring. Getting your house sold and closed before the spring delays begin will lend itself to a smoother transaction.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 5.3% over the next 12 months according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate below 4% right now. Rates are projected to rise by three-quarters of a percent by the end of 2016.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take back control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps, the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

*When Is A Good Time To Rent??? NOT NOW!*

People often ask whether or not now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, I want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent. The Census Bureau recently released their third quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today: A recent Wall Street Journal article reports that rents rose “faster last year than at any time since 2007, a boon for landlords but one that has stoked concerns about housing affordability for renters.”  The article also cited results from a recent Reis Inc report which revealed that average effective rents rose 4.6% in 2015, the biggest gain since before the recession. Over the past 15 years, rents have risen at a rate of 2.7% annually.

Where are rents headed?

Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at realtor.com recently warned that:

“Low rental vacancies and a lack of new rental construction are pushing up rents, and we expect that they’ll outpace home price appreciation in the year ahead.” 

Bottom Line

According to the WSJ article:

“In general, the higher rents go, the more difficult it will be for young people to save for down payments, making them likely to rent even longer.”

One way to protect yourself from rising rents is to lock in your housing expense by buying a home. If you are ready and willing to buy, don't hesitate to give me a call for a free confidential meeting.

Foreclosures, Short Sales Not Dead!

"FORECLOSURE ACTIVITY INCREASES 3 PERCENT IN APRIL TO 18-MONTH HIGH DRIVEN BY RISING BANK REPOSSESSIONS!"

A recent report released by RealtyTrac, the nations leading source for comprehensive housing data,  shows foreclosure filing are up 3 for the previous month and up 9% from a year ago! CLICK HERE TO READ REPORT!

Don't freak out! There are a lot of other indicators involved.

I personally believe this has to do with the auction schedule that was occurring the previous 24 months and banks putting holds on many properties and now following through with the foreclosure process.  As well, many homeowners loans were adjusting the past 24 months, home owners couldn't get used to the adjustment and allowed their homes to get to the foreclosure point.

The interesting thing is a total of 51,773 US properties started the foreclosure process for the first time in April 2015, which is down 3 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from a year ago.  There are many statistics you can read in the report above.

Nonetheless, short sales and foreclosures are not dead! Banks are still working with people whose loans are adjusting and are just to much to meet the demand of the household finances.  The great thing is consumers have choices now! IF you have equity in your home and have a decent credit score, I can help you get your home refinanced into a better more affordable loan.  If the issue is no equity and loan adjusting to a payment that is too much for the household, banks will still work with you on a short sale and save your credit from a foreclosure.  

Call me today and let's figure it out whatever your situation! 661-702-4767

Santa Clarita New Construction!

If you are planning on selling your home over the next two years, now may be the time to act. Demand is high, supply is low and many homeowners are benefiting from an almost auction atmosphere with several buyers fighting for their house in the current multi-bid environment. Higher prices and less stringent contingencies are making it easier for the seller and their family. However, there may be more (and better) competition about to hit the market in the form of newly constructed homes. This may put an end to the buyers’ frenzy over the limited inventory of existing homes which has been below normal levels for over a year. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors(NAR), the forecast for new housing starts and sales will increase significantly over the next two years:

• NAR is forecasting 1.1 million new housing starts in 2015, jumping to 1.4 million in 2016.
• New home sales are projected to increase from the 437,000 in 2014 to 570,000 this year and 720,000 in 2016.

Bottom Line

In major urban areas across the country, building cranes are again stretched across the city skyline. In many suburbs, you can again hear the thumping of a carpenter’s hammer in the background. Those are the sights and sounds that inform us that it may be time to sell. 

If you are considering a move to new construction check out my website for connection to all of the new construction builds in Santa Clarita CLICK HERE

Lagging Supply of Homes...Cause of Real Estate Slowdown?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the results of their Existing Home Sales Report. Despite the fact that properties are selling faster than they have at any other time since July of 2013, existing home sales declined 3.3% from March. NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun explained the main reason for the slow:

"April's setback is the result of lagging supply relative to demand and the upward pressure it's putting on prices.”

One major news organization actually used this headline about the decline:

Existing home sales crater in April, falling 3.3%

Well, they certainly haven’t cratered! April marked the second month in a row that the annual sales pace remained above the five million mark (5.04 million) throughout the US. Year-over-year sales have increased for seven consecutive months and are still 6.1% above a year ago. Every month, SentriLock, LLC provides NAR Research with data on the number of homes shown to potential buyers. This data is referred to as ‘Foot Traffic’ and is a great predictor of future sales and buyer demand. In April, buyer demand remained at the same level experienced in March.

So why did sales go down?

Buyers who are ready and willing to make a purchase are entering a market where their dream house may not have been listed yet. They can’t find it! Or if they find it, it happens to catch the eye of other buyers and an auction like environment’ begins.

Housing inventory declined from last year and supply in our market is VERY tight. This is causing bidding wars, faster pace price growth and properties selling at a quicker pace.  It is also causing sellers to overprice their homes and some homes sitting without showings.  

Bottom Line

So how do you make sense of everything that’s going on in the housing market when there are so many conflicting headlines on the same report? John Burns, real estate expert and CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting gives this advice:

“The bottom line is this: don't make decisions based on newspaper articles. Read the actual press release, including the methodology, and make sure the results jive with other data points and qualitative feedback you receive.”

If you are one of the many homeowners out there realizing that now may be the time to list your home for sale, or one of the many renters debating a purchase, sitting with a local real estate professional who takes the time to find out what’s really going on in the market, should be your first step! Don't hesitate to contact me today for a free confidential consultation.

I Need Your Listing!

Though the real estate market has improved, we still have one item holding it back from a full recovery – a robust supply of homes for sale. Demand has increased dramatically. At the same time, housing inventory is decreasing especially at the lower price points. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently revealed that there is a pent-up seller demand caused by the uncertainty created by the housing crisis of the last decade.

What does that mean to you?

Houses listed today sell quickly. With prices still below peak values of 2007 in many parts of the country and mortgage interest rates at historic lows, this may be the perfect time for your family to make the move to the dream house you always wanted – whether that’s a larger home or that vacation/retirement home you have been looking at.

What does that mean to the economy?

Housing has always been an essential part of the U.S. economy. As I have reported before, real estate not only provides housing for families. It is often the greatest source of wealth and savings for many. The recent increase in real estate sales has led to an increase in real estate prices. This has increased the value of everyone’s' home, whether they are selling or not. This leads to an increase in consumer confidence which in turn leads to an increase in consumer spending. Plus, each home sale automatically puts money into the economy. NAR compiled data from research conducted by the Bureau of Economic Analysis & Macroeconomic Advisers on the economic impact of a home purchase. After reviewing the data, they concluded that the total economic impact of a typical home sale in the United States is an astonishing $52,205. The more homes that sell, the better the economy.

Bottom Line

In order for the U.S. economy to get better, we need to sell more homes. Perhaps, it makes sense for one of those homes to be yours. If you have considered selling but are still a little nervous, now might be the time to sit down with and discuss the sale of your home! OR visit www.SellingSCVHome.com for your homes value!

Pets Need Help Adjusting Too!!

Moving can be stressful for every family member – including the four-legged ones. The tough part is you can't explain to your dogs and cats what's happening. Every animal reacts differently to new living quarters, and temperament has a lot to do with it. Some pets take a move in stride, while others exhibit anxiety or insecurity for days or weeks.

Here are some things to consider as the big move approaches and after you're in your new home:

1. A little help from the vet
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on easing the transition. If your pet is generally anxious or high-strung, perhaps it's worth asking whether a mild calming medication might be right for your pet for the first few days after the move. It's not uncommon for vets to prescribe gentle stress relief for travel. Your veterinarian may also suggest additional vaccinations depending on the area and climate you're moving to.

2. A pre-move home tour
If possible, take your pet to the new home for a visit before the official moving day. That way, it will be familiar with the house, yard and even new smells when you actually move in.

3. Time to explore
After you move in, give your pet time to explore the house gradually, rather than letting it loose immediately to roam at will. Limit it to one area – perhaps the kitchen – for a few hours until it calms down. Show the pet where you've placed its familiar items like the food dish, water bowl and bed. You might want to keep a dog on a leash when first allowing it to tour the greater part of the house. If you have a fenced yard, avoid letting pets out unsupervised for several days until you're sure they can't climb or dig out from under the fence.

4. The benefit of pet walks
Take your dog for walks and good sniffing around the entire neighborhood. While you acclimate to your new location primarily by visual cues, dogs depend on their olfactory sense. Leave and enter the new home by different doors during the early walks, so your dog develops a good sense of direction and knows exactly where home is.

5. How cats handle moves
Territorial by nature, cats often experience more issues with moving than their canine counterparts. Keep your cat safe in its carrier upon arrival, placing it in a quiet area. When the hubbub dies down, let it out in an enclosed room away from main traffic areas. Provide your cat with familiar objects, such as a bed, litter box and toys. Spend lots of time with it and encourage it to explore the room, perhaps by strategically placing cat treats. Outgoing, friendly cats might be ready for further exploration within a day or two after arrival, while shy cats might take much longer.

6. Additional supervision
While you have a million things to do after moving into a new house, try to have at least one family member home at all times during the first week or so. Have meals at home and establish a routine for your furry friends as soon as possible. Feed pets and take the dog for walks at the same time as you did at your old home.

7. Update pet IDs
Because accidents happen, update your pet's identification information before you move. Your new municipality might require licensing within a certain time frame, but you need updated tags from day one of your move. If your pets are microchipped, contact the registration company and give them the new information. This way, if Fluffy or Fido slip out the door, anyone who finds them can easily return them to their new home.

Desire For Vacation Homes Growing!

The National Association of Realtors just released their 2015 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey which revealed that vacation home sales boomed in 2014 to above their most recent peak level in 2006. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said favorable conditions are driving second-home sales:

“Affluent households have greatly benefited from strong growth in the stock market in recent years, and the steady rise in home prices has likely given them reassurance that real estate remains an attractive long-term investment. Furthermore, last year’s impressive increase also reflects long-term growth in the numbers of baby boomers moving closer to retirement and buying second homes to convert into their primary home in a few years.”

The report shows:

• Vacation-home sales catapulted to an estimated 1.13 million last year
• This was the highest amount since NAR began the survey in 2003
• Vacation sales were up 57.4% from 717,000 in 2013
• Vacation-home sales accounted for 21 percent of all transactions in 2014, their highest market share since the survey was first conducted

Bottom Line

If you have been considering that waterfront condo in Florida, that ranch in Wyoming or that special getaway you someday will retire to, maybe now is the time to act. Prices are good and mortgage rates are at historic lows. Contact a local real estate professional to help you put your dreams to a plan.

Popular Design Trends for 2015

*POPULAR DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2015*

Gold fixtures (YES GOLD FIXTURES!), wallpaper, and cowhide accents were named among the most popular design trends in 2015, according to 2015 Zillow Digs Home Trends Forecast, a report that combines data from a survey of leading interior design experts and an analysis of the most popular photos on Zillow Digs.  

Gold Fixtures: Reminiscent of the 80s and early 90s, this retro statement hardware color will make a comeback in 2015 with a new modern twist: bright gold with a sleek finish for extra shine.

Cowhide: Cowhide is the ideal accent texture for 2015's modern, yet approachable design aesthetic.

Wallpaper: From digital prints to textured wall coverings, wallpaper is primed and ready to take off in 2015.

Blue Accent Colors:  Blue will be the most popular accent color. Pops of indigo blue or deep navy will become a staple in home design this year.

Modern/Mid-Century Modern Elements: Mid-century modern elements will weave their way in to 2015 home decor-from architecture to furniture-and will be one of the biggest up-and-coming design styles for 2015.

Five Spring Home Buying Strategies

The spring home-buying boom is underway, and this year buyers in some markets will face an increased amount of competition due to low housing inventory. In fact, the most recent existing-home sales report from the National Association of REALTORS® cautions that "Insufficient supply appears to be hampering prospective buyers in several areas of the country and is hiking prices."

Real estate professionals around the country are echoing the concern about the lack of available housing options. "The [housing] recovery appears slow due to a lack of inventory and a low participation rate among first-time buyers, but it’s still a competitive seller’s market," says David Yocum, a Redfin agent from Chicago.

In order to be successful in competitive markets, buyers need to be strategic in how they approach finding their dream home. Here are five tips they can incorporate into their home buying process that will prepare them with all of the information they need.

Step Away from the Computer

Despite the fact that 90 percent of home buyers start their search online, buyers should also consider getting outside and canvassing their desired neighborhoods. In a low inventory market, it's important to to be proactive and not waste time weighing options, because by that time, the property might be off the market. "In our market we hope for a burst of new inventory in the spring, but that doesn't always happen,"  "Even if that burst comes, demand will outstrip supply, so buyers have to be in a position to make a decision quickly."

Get to Know the Current Housing Market

Every housing market is different, so it's important to do research on the market and neighborhood trends. Finding a good real estate agent and keeping up with local real estate news is crucial for buyers to understand the nuances of their local housing market. "Buyers need to get up to speed quickly on market values so they know the right decision when it presents itself," says Yocum. "The more quickly buyers can educate themselves, the more successful the home search will be."

Grab Those Low Mortgage Rates—Before it's too Late!

While mortgage rates continue to hover below four percent, buyers might not be able to enjoy these low rates forever. "With all indications pointing to a rate increase from the Federal Reserve this year – perhaps as early as this summer – affordability concerns could heighten as home prices and rents both continue to exceed wages," says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.

Create a Dynamic Team

The fast pace of the most competitive housing markets means buyers have to be in a position to make an offer at a moment's notice. Before making an offer, buyers need to ensure they've lined up a real estate professional, a lender, a lawyer, and a home inspector. They will also want to be pre-approved for a loan and ready to complete a mortgage application as soon as they find a property.

Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Buyers should be strategic when maneuvering a bidding war. Some agents suggest that buyer clients include an escalation clause, while others suggest they examine the deal and identify areas where they could be more flexible, in terms of contingency clauses. However, Yocum warns that "all of these [contingency clauses] have various levels of risk that not all buyers are willing to accept, and you should consult with your team before [removing] any of them."

Don't Go To New Construction Without Agent Representation

If you are considering purchasing new construction, please contact your local real estate agent first.
Buying a new construction home may seam easy enough to do on your own; in fact, it can be even trickier than buying an existing home.

When buying a new construction property, the hurdles are large and plentiful.  Having someone who knows how to jump all of the hurdles and even jump some for you makes the process easier.  When it comes to buying a new construction property, it is definitely to your advantage to use a buyers agent and it 

costs you nothing!!

There is quite a bit of new construction available in the Santa Clarita Valley, contact me today for a list of available projects.

Call Me And List Your Home Today!

Hurry Up!! Call your Agent and List your House!! That headline might be a little aggressive. However, as the data on the 2015 housing market begins to roll in, I can definitely say one thing: If you are considering selling, IT IS TIME TO LIST YOUR HOME! I realize that existing home sales stumbled in January compared to December. But, if we compare the current September-January time period to the same period a year ago, we can see that existing home sales have outpaced last year every month with the January sales numbers 200,000 homes greater than last January:  Pending home sales (houses going into a contract) as reported by the National Association of Realtors have also done much better in the last five months compared to a year earlier:  And, buyer demand is continuing to skyrocket:  At the same time, the amount of housing inventory coming to the market compared to last year is plummeting: Bottom Line With demand increasing and supply dropping, this may be the perfect time to get the best price for your home.

Is the Housing Market BACK?

Is the Housing Market Back? Ask Lowes & Home Depot!

 A recent Bloomberg Business article reports that both Lowes & Home Depot experienced fourth quarter profits that beat revenue projections by the most in six quarters. So what does that mean to the housing market?

Consumer Confidence

Lowe’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Niblock said,

“Consumers are feeling better about their jobs, their wages and certainly feeling better about the value of their home, they are re-engaging in projects that they have put off.”

Sales to professional contractors have increased significantly as well, and were a driving factor in the quarter. Home Depot’s Chief Financial Officer Carol Tome calls this a “sign of health. If they are putting more items in their basket, it means they have work coming at them.”

Home Values Rising

In a quarterly consumer survey conducted by Lowe’s since 2007, the percentage of respondents who said that the value of their home is rising increased to its highest value ever, at 50%. Whether Americans are finally adding that man-cave they’ve always wanted, or renovating a master suite, an increased confidence in the value of one’s home often sparks homeowners to invest in big-ticket projects. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that the median price of an existing home (for all housing types) rose year-over-year for the 35^th consecutive month. Not all who are renovating are planning on staying in their home. The Demand Institute reports that “nearly half of American households plan to move at some point in the future.” For those who are planning on listing their home this spring, spending the time and money needed to update that 1950’s bathroom or kitchen can fetch higher prices in today’s market.

Bottom Line

Meeting with a local real estate professional can give you insight into the small (or big) improvements your home could use to draw the highest price and return on investment this spring.

Interest Rates and Your Family's Wealth

With interest rates right around 4%, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until the end of the year. If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you.

Predictions for 2015 3Q:

• 4.6% - Fannie Mae

• 4.8% - Freddie Mac

• 5.2% - Mortgage Bankers Association

• 5.2% - National Association of Realtors

Even an increase of half a percentage point can put a dent in your family’s net worth.

Let’s look at it this way…

The monthly payment (principal & interest only) on a $250,000 home today, with the current 4.1% interest rate would be$1,208. If we take that same home a year later, the Home Price Expectation Survey projects that prices will rise about 4% making that home cost $10,000 more at $260,000. If we take Freddie Mac’s rate projection of 4.8%, the monthly mortgage payment climbs to $1,364. Some buyers might not think that an extra $156 a month is that bad. But over the course of 30-year mortgage you have spent an additional $56,160 by waiting a year. 

Why Do I Need A Real Estate Agent?

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO. The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to recover. 

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true Real Estate Professional is an expert in their market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

There are over 230 possible actions that 
need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, who knows what these actions are to make sure that you acquire your dream?

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. However, after looking at the list of parties that you need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll realize the value in selecting a Real Estate Professional. From the buyer (who wants the best deal possible), to the home inspection companies, to the appraiser, there are at least 11 different people that you will have to be knowledgeable with and answer to, during the process.

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to theNational Association of REALTORS, “the typical FSBO home sold for $208,000 compared to $235,000 among agent-assisted home sales.” Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.  

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and the internet about home sales, prices, mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively price your home correctly at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a low-ball offer? Dave Ramsey, the financial guru advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying/selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line:

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic. Why would you make one of your most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a Real Estate Professional?

List Your Santa Clarita, Ca Home Today!

We all learned in school that when selling anything, you will get the most money if the demand for that item is high and the inventory of that item is low, remember Cabbage Patch Dolls? It is the well-known Theory of Supply & Demand. If you are thinking of selling your home,  that the time is now. Here is why…

According to research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer activity last month (January) was three times greater than it was last January. Purchasers who are ready, willing, and able to buy are in the market at great numbers. 

Buyers are ready to buy a home in Santa Clarita, Ca, but they are coming upon situation of lack of listings. Many sellers say they are waiting for the spring to list their homes! WHY?

Low Inventory=Less Competition

Many sellers find it more convenient to list their homes in Spring, however you are thinking like all the other sellers out there.  In order to get top dollar when you sell your Santa Clarita home, you must think outside of the box.   Would you rather list your home for top dollar now and have no competition or would you rather list your home in spring and have 10 of the same types of homes as yours on the market, some who may be priced lower than yours.  Think about it, same house on the market as yours listed for lower, which one would you make an offer on first? With fewer homes on the market now, your home will get more attention from buyers.  Low inventory and higher demand also drives up prices.  

By Spring we expect many more home owners to list their homes because more sellers have equity that they didn't in years past.  It is normal for inventory of homes to rise in the Spring, don't be left out of getting top dollar for your home now!

Thinking of Buying A Home In Santa Clarita, Ca? Why Are You Waiting?

If you are planning on becoming a homeowner, or moving up to the home of your dreams in 2015, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting until spring.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report projects appreciation in home values over the next five years to be between 11.7% (most pessimistic) and 27.5% (most optimistic). The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by the end of 2015. An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. Your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

3. Either Way You are Paying a Mortgage

As a paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains:

“Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”

4. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But, what if they weren't? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe it is time to buy.

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.