Lake County Real Estate Blog

The Hidden costs of Owning versus Renting your home

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone thinks that the costs of renting are limited to, well, rent! On the other hand, there is a laundry list of expenses we all know go along with owning a home.

But many people aren't aware of the hidden, surprising costs associated with both owning AND renting a home, and it's what you don't know that has the potential to derail your rent vs. buy decision-making, so here are the Top 5 Hidden Costs of both renting and owning your home:

Top 5 Hidden Costs of Owning

1. Special assessments. HOA dues to maintain the complex come as no surprise to condo owners, but hefty special assessments to make unexpected (and unbudgeted) repairs to the roof, windows, boiler or even foundation often catch unit owners unawares. Even if your home doesn’t belong to an HOA, don’t be surprised to see special assessments tacked on top of your property tax bill, covering public services including things like street lighting, tree trimming, pest control, libraries, and even schools.

2. Utilities and services you didn’t need while renting. Many renters have never had to pay for things like gas, garbage, water and pest services, and they've also looked to their Electric, gas, garbage, alarm, water, pest, home warranty – which mitigates larger surprise costs of unexpected major repairs, gutter cleaning/maintenance, snow removal/winterizing, etc)

3. Private mortgage insurance. Today’s savvy homebuyers are well aware that they’ll have to pony up for private mortgage insurance, or PMI, if they’re putting less than 20 percent down on their mortgage. But the cost of PMI has spiked over the last year, and the amount definitely catches buyers off guard.

4. Penalties and fines. HOA rule violations, like parking in the wrong spot, installing hardwood floors in an upstairs unit, or painting your home a forbidden hue can result in surprising fines, on top of the costs of remediating the issue. Even single-family homeowners can get ticketed and/or fined by their city or town for violations like having overgrown weeds or other building code violations – especially those which create fire and safety hazards.

5. Items you didn't need while renting, but you do as a homeowner. This varies based on your climate and the type of home you own, as well as on the services you outsource, but can include landscaping equipment (e.g., lawn mower, snow/leaf blowers), washer/dryer, fridge, window treatments, and light fixtures.

Top 5 Hidden Costs of Renting

1. Opportunity Costs. When you rent, you lose out on the chance of equity – which can mean an increase in your home’s value but, even in a down market, can also mean the chance of ever owning the place you live free and clear.

2. Income taxes. If you earn above a certain level of income, the income taxes you’re paying as a renter will be substantially higher than they would be if you owned a home and could deduct your property taxes and mortgage interest.

3. Storage. Many a renter simply has too many personal belongings to stuff into their small apartment, so it’s not uncommon for tenants to also pay for a storage space, without calculating that expense into their “housing” budget.

4. Costs of improving the property. Long-term renters may paint, replace the flooring, and do other improvements to make the place livable. But since it’s not technically“their” home, when they do move out, all the cash they invested is lost. In fact, some landlords may require them the pay or forfeit deposit money to bring the place back to its original, neutral décor.

5. Lost deposits. Anyone who has rented more than a couple of apartments is well aware of the chances of losing some or all of your security or peet deposits, no matter how well you care for your home

How Does My Home Compare to Others on the Lake County CA Market?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We all know that real estate professionals use comparable sales also known as "comps" that include properties that have recently sold in the area, to see what the Lake County CA market bears for a listing price or value range marketing.

But how will know how my Lake County CA home compares?

The expertise of a highly knowledgeable real estate professional can save you many hours of research and headaches. Most people don't really know how to compare real estate properties, which is why they hire real estate professionals. Good real estate professionals take the work out of selling your home and give you solid reason to understand why your home is priced at a particular price point.

Location, upgrades, amenities, sale date, extras, foreclosures, short sales, and unique nuances of the home all affect the listing price and how your home is compared to another. Paying attention to what home buyers are looking for is also just as important.

Real estate professionals always place emphasis on things that make your home stand out. They search for the best characteristics to showcase and, when comparing your home to others that have sold, they look to see how yours stacks up from a buyer's perspective.

Real estate professionals can add value to a home that might not have, say, for instance, the pool. Instead, your home might have an extra bedroom or den complete with floor-to-ceiling, high-quality bookcases.

Reviewing the comps can provide a lot of insight about sales in your neighborhood. Physically viewing the properties can be even more eye-opening. Real estate professionals who routinely work in the neighborhood will have an excellent grasp of which homes will sell fastest. It's not just a lucky guess.

They've been inside these homes and have seen the notable upgrades or the tragic flaws of a home. They also know which homes were foreclosures or short sales. Generally, a foreclosed home is in poor condition. However, a short sale can be in much better condition. Both of these sales are at discounted rates. So, if a comp is used from one of these types of sales, your real estate professional will take careful consideration to evaluate the distinct differences that may increase the value and, ultimately, the listing price on your Lake County CA home, so be sure to contact a knowledgeable real estate professional and get your home sold today.

Selling Your Home in Lake County CA

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You may be ready to make some changes this year and selling your home in Lake County CA may be one journey you are getting ready for and taking advantage of these steps will ensure you Lake County CA home get noticed and you get offers.

You have a couple of options when it comes to selling your Lake County CA home. You can always partner with a real estate professional or may choose to sell your Lake County CA home on your own. There is no right or wrong when it comes to your decision but going with a real estate professional will lessen your frustrations and make the home selling process much more enjoyable.

Today, many home buyers search online for specifics when trying to find the perfect home so having pictures and even videos that showcase your Lake County CA home is a must. Not only does this entice home buyers to ask questions and get more information, it allows for more exposure.

You can think of it this way…when you see an ad for a new car and see the pictures or videos; you may get enticed a little further and start calling the car companies. The same goes for selling your Lake County CA home- pictures sell and just as the old saying states, “pictures are worth a thousand words”, it is true!

You can use your digital camera or camcorder to take some spectacular photos or videos of your Lake County CA home or your real estate professional will do this for you. There are many online portals that can showcase your home and spread the word that your Lake County CA home is for sale.

Wishing Lake County CA a Very Happy New Year

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The New Year is fast approaching and I am wishing Lake County CA a Very Happy New Year! There is still time to find your perfect home; whether you are looking to upsize, downsize or move to Lake County CA and even with the New Year literally days away, I can help! If you are planning or ready to sell your home in Lake County CA then contact me today and we can schedule showings, open houses and give incentives for potential home buyers and get your home sold so your New Year starts off with a bang! Go ahead, start your New Year off the way YOU want to and contact your local real estate professional, we can spark the interest in every potential home buyer and get your home sold quicker!

Is It Luck or Fortune in Lake County CA

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

If you are planning or ready to sell your home in Lake County CA then you should know that one of the absolute favorite rooms for potential home buyers is the kitchen. There is no luck needed and you don’t need a fortune to make your kitchen shine at its’ best. After all, you want potential home buyers to realize the potential your home has to offer so here are some tips to make your kitchen shine every time:

Deep cleaning or Spring cleaning and even in the winter months, nothing can beat a clean kitchen.

Get the gloves out and scrub down your appliances inside and out. Believe it or not, potential buyers open and look inside of your appliances and a dirty appliance will turn away countless buyers. It is very true. No one wants to buy a dirty appliance,

Add a touch of class or hardware and you can buy this in bulk. It doesn’t cost a lot to change cabinet hardware or paint and it adds style a fresh look.

Clutter-free and organized spaces are more welcoming than you may think. You can even add simple touches by installing trim work around shelves and doorways.

There’s no need to spend a fortune making your home its’ absolute best and luck is not needed so with a little help and planning from your local real estate professional, we can spark the interest in every potential home buyer and get your home sold quicker!

Alternatives For Sellers in Lake County CA

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In this unsure and unstable economy, sellers of residential real estate are faced with a variety of challenges and often find themselves overwhelmed or frustrated. The concerns are legitimate and that is why it is important to team up with a knowledgeable real estate professional that not only wants you to succeed in the sale of your home but works hard for you and finds a home buyer that is ready and able to purchase your home.

There are many alternatives for home sellers in the real estate market today and short sales, sales to investors and first time home buyers are reasonable solutions. If you are thinking about selling your home in the Lake County CA area then contact a real estate professional today! We can create a plan of action that delivers results, gets your home sold and increases visibility to those serious home buyers that are looking to settle down or make an investment.

Thinking about waiting until after the holidays or procrastinating until the market becomes “better” may not be the solution that is right for you. The sale of your home creates a win-win for everyone and lets you focus on settling down with your family in a new chapter of your life.

Delaying Your Home Sale during the Holidays in Lake County CA?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

You may be feeling a little overwhelmed this season if you have your home on the market for sale in Lake County CA and with so much to do with family, friends, shopping and entertaining, who really has time to sell a house during the holidays? Even more overwhelming is the constant clean-up to make sure your home looks its absolute best for home buyers but you don’t have to feel that way.

And even with a long list of reasons, including having to pack and move during the holidays, may be strong enough to take your house off the market during the holidays…BUT…what happens if you do?

For starters, you could miss out on that offer from a home buyer you have been waiting for and have been working so hard for so instead of taking your house off the market during the holidays, let your real estate professional take the load off your plate!

Before you decide take your home off the market during the holidays, consider the following:

· Even if home buyer activity seems less active, the home buyers that are out looking at homes are very serious!

· Relocating families is often less stressful when there is time off for the holidays and these families want to get settled in sooner.

· Ambience is phenomenal and when home buyers come to view your home during the holidays, it makes it that much easier to picture themselves there enjoying the holiday fun with their own family.

· With some sellers taking their homes off the market during the holidays, inventory is not as abundant and this gives you a leg up on other homes for serious home buyers.

· You can always negotiate with your buyers if you do get an offer or contract so that it is a win-win for everyone. If you do get a contract, you can expect to close about 30 to 60 days and that is plenty of time to enjoy the holidays with your family in your home and then pack without overwhelming yourself.

So, if you are still undecided whether you should keep your home on the market in Lake County CA during the holidays or not, contact your real estate professional and together, we can create a plan that works best for you and your family during the holidays and get your home sold!

Today's First-Time Buyers Need Special Considerations

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I have said it before that today’s first-time home buyers are naturally very nervous about entering the market but it truly doesn’t have to be that way and as the seller, you can make them feel more comfortable.

First-time home buyersare worried about not only the cost of buying, the process can be a little overwhelming and the reality of homeownership may be a little scary altogether. Remember, I said, it doesn’t have to be that way…and here is how you, the Seller, can help alleviate their fears:

As the Seller, you can work with your professional real estate agent and set a fair price for your home and even put in special clauses such as help with down payments or even closing costs, because they are truly worried about home financing options.

As the Seller, you already take pride in your home, so show that off! Have a list created of all the maintenance that is done on your home on a regular basis along with the costs of repairs and maintenance and you could even throw in a maintenance warranty package for the new home owner, and have these documents ready.

Remember when you, the Seller, started out on your home buyingadventure? Put yourself in the first-time home buyer’s shoes and remember how scary it was…buying a home is a big decision, but that doesn’t mean it has to be that way! Partner up with a knowledgeable and helpful real estate professional today and put an end to the worry associated with Real Estate

Seasons are Changing in Lake County CA

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Autumn is coming just around the corner and truly it is welcomed by taking place of the oppressive heat of summer. Autumn also brings options for home owners as it is an opportunity to prepare for colder months that lie ahead. Not only can home owners in Lake County CA take advantage of preparing their home, if you are thinking about selling your Lake County CA home or thinking about making home ownership a reality, then keep reading.

As a Lake County CA homeowner, you want to make sure your gutters are cleaned, your landscaping is manicured, your home is clean inside and out- pressure wash if necessary, double check heating and ventilation systems, insulate windows and doors and pipes. The temperatures will drop soon and making sure your home is ready before it is too late will help keep your household in working order. You can always take a look at more of our Lake County Buyer Tips to get your home prepared for the day you decide to sell- this is what our Lake County Buyers will be looking for.

Now, if you are thinking about making home ownership a reality, you want to keep your eye on things like these. A homeowner that is proud of their home will have taken steps to ensure the Lake County home is ready for the new owner. Not only does it save YOU time when you first move in, it shows the seller has cared enough about their home’s safety, functionality and value.

So as the season are changing, be sure to contact Lake County Fine Homes for more tips or to view properties that are available- properties that every home owner has taken pride in, has already completed the necessary seasonal prep and is ready to help make YOUR homeownership dream a reality!

Condition of the Property Makes a Statement in Lake County CA

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It is pretty well known these days that just about all mortgage applicants are undergoing mass scrutiny during the loan process but this just isn’t financial scrutiny…it also has to do with the condition of the property.

This is not the value of the property -- but the physical condition of the property.

FHA and VA have historically been more stringent than conventional lenders with respect to issues such as peeling paint, additions without permits, and appliances that do not work. Nowadays, though, it seems just as likely that a real or perceived deficiency in the property’s physical condition may cause as much of a problem for a conventional loan as for one that is FHA or VA.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with this especially since it truly helps the buyer and agents are becoming more aware of these situations.

Critical consideration of property conditions may occur at one or both of two stages in the loan process.

1. At the appraisal stage: it’s tough enough having to deal with distressed property comps, additionally, agents can no longer rely on appraisers just to measure the property, draw a floorplan, and leave. Sometimes they are liable to conduct their own mini-inspection – checking out the roof, looking in the attic, flushing toilets, randomly checking appliances, etc. Malfunctions or deficiencies may not affect evaluation, but, if flagged, correction may become a condition of loan approval.

2. At the underwriting stage: it is becoming more common for underwriters to probe into the property condition as well as the buyer’s finances. Here, it is not just the appraiser’s observations that receive attention. An underwriter may, for example, ask to see a copy of the home inspection. An underwriter may also want to see what the seller has disclosed to the buyer about the property’s condition and history.

In California it has become common for a buyer to ask a seller to provide a four-page form known as the Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ). The SPQ was created by the California Association of Realtors® (CAR). It is considerably more detailed and informative than the state-mandated Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS). Although not required by law, provision of an SPQ is often called for as part of the purchase agreement between buyer and seller. What is happening now is that, sometimes, underwriters are asking for a copy of the SPQ.

Why might this be a problem? Suppose the disclosure revealed a roof leak in one corner of the three-car garage. It would cost $1,500 to fix. The buyer appreciates the disclosure, but he doesn’t care because he is going to remodel the garage and put a loft room –with a new roof – over that corner. The underwriter says, “No, it must be fixed before we will approve the loan.” So, now, in order to get your loan, it must be fixed---back to the drawing board, right? Not really. When you have a home buying opportunity then team up with a knowledgeable real estate professional in Lake County California that can help make your real estate experienceeasy, enjoyable and stress-free and get the best deal for your bucks.

Transitioning from Renter to Home Owner in Lake County California

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

You have probably heard conversations about owning a home and may have even thought about making home ownership a reality, but how hard is it to transition from ‘renter’ to ‘home owner’?

Well, let’s look at some of the pros and cons of both scenarios.

Renter
Money out on property you do not own

Home Owner
Money out on property you own

Renter
You have to get permission for any changes

Home Owner
More than likely, it is your decision about the changes you want to make to your home

Renter
Repairs are handled by whomever the landlord hires

Home Owner
Repairs are handled by whomever you choose

The bottom line is this: you can probably own a home for less than your monthly rental payment and at the end of the day, have a sense of assurance that you are putting your hard earned dollars to work for you and your family.

Let’s face it that with declining home prices and historically low interest rates, buying a home is much easier than just a few months ago. This means better home buyingopportunities in Lake County and if you are looking to purchase a home, refinance, or sell your Lake County home, then team up with a knowledgeable real estate professional inLake County California that can help make your real estate experience easy, enjoyable and stress-free and start transitioning from Renter to Home Owner.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Sink in Lake County

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s exciting to see another active week in the Lake County real estate market but as mortgage rates continue to sink, are we seeing signs of an unsteady market?

The Lake County real estate markets is really no different than any other and as mortgage rates continue to plunge, this means good things for borrowers looking to purchase a home in Lake County California. Even home owners looking to refinance may have better opportunities to save a little money.

Although the mortgage rates continue to decrease, for instance, FHA dropped another .25%; this means better home buying opportunities in Lake County and if you are looking to purchase a home, refinance, or sell your Lake County home, then team up with a knowledgeable real estate professional in Lake County California that can help make your real estate experience easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Home Sales Continue to Increase in Lake County CA

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It’s exciting to see more action in the Lake County real estate market and with June pending home sales on the rise that means more money for you as the seller! According to the NAR, "Existing home sales this year are expected to total 5.0 million, slightly higher than 2010. Similarly, little change is forecast for aggregate home prices with several indicators, including NAR's median prices, showing recent signs of stabilization."

So, is the housing market back on track? Not quite yet but the constant rise in pending home sales, higher sale amounts and the increase across the nation sure does make us all feel a little better!

June's rise in pending home sales was unexpected, and this could mean the home market is gaining strength in Lake County CA so now just may be the time to sell your home! Contact a knowledgeable and friendly agent in Lake County California today and find out your home value!

House Hunting in Lake County California

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming–from the growing paperwork to the house-hunting search but with a knowledgeable real estate professional it can be a breeze.

Today, searching for your perfect home is easier than ever. There are many real estate professionals to choose from, a large inventory of homes Lake County California to choose from, and technology that makes checking out a home as easy as clicking on a few Internet sites. Of course, that's just for a quick look. Getting in the car with a knowledgeable real estate professional and exploring the properties in person will give you better ideas of what you want and, perhaps more importantly, what you don't want and you can always create a wish list and tell your real estate professional ahead of time so you don’t waste time looking at home that is for sale that doesn’t meet your needs. Sign up for Buyer Tips, it’s FREE and can help your home buying process immensely!

The average house-hunting process takes about 12 weeks and home buyers visit approximately 20 homes or more before deciding which one is "just right" so team up with a knowledgeable real estate professionalin Lake County California that can help make the home buying process easy, enjoyable and stress-free.

Lake County CA Home Purchases

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Is it a good time to purchase or invest in properties in Lake County CA? On an earlier blog, the answer to that question was YES! And it still is! The market is packed-full of properties and there is a surplus of properties that are available- from short sales, distressed sales and just folks ready to move on. What does that mean for YOU? It means with the right agent on your side that is helpful and knowledgeable, now is just as good a time as any to jump in and purchase a property in Lake County CA and make a sound investment. Even if you are not quite ready to move in, you can rent it out and earn rental income.

If you have questions about Lake County California, homes for sale, or are looking to settle down in our beautiful community, contact a knowledgeable agent and sign up for Free Buyer Tips, Free Seller Tips and Join our Community.

You Expect Value

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Every home owner, whether looking to purchase or sell a home, will turn to a professional real estate agent during the process- even if it is for advice alone. And, when we look at real estate professionals, we want to see the value that is being offered- right up front.

Here are some tips on how to interview a real estate professional and receive the value you expect:

Ask about market knowledge and awareness- they can and will help you understand

Explain your needs and they will listen and offer suggestions you can accept

Negotiating skills- ask for examples

Follow up- the real estate professional you select will follow up quickly

Your real estate professional will work with you from start to finish so if you are looking to buy or sell in Lake County California, then Contact me today!

Are you really ready to sell in Lake County California?

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

When it is time to sell your home in Lake County California, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing you want to do is clean up. I can’t express this enough but potential home buyers notice when homes are a mess and the pride sellers take in their properties so clean up is a must!

Declutter: remove anything you are not using and depersonalize your home. It gives potential home buyers the opportunity to view your fabulous home and picture their own belongings in each room.

Interview agents! Not every agent knows the market so take the time to interview local realtors and find one that will work with you from start to finish and take away potential headaches.

Know the value of your home: Get a FREE CMA today and price your home right for the market

Contact me today and I can help you through the entire process and make the home selling process a success!

Incentives in Lake County CA

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

More ideas for attracting potential buyers to come and make an offer on your home besides adding colorful balloons at an open house is marketing. How effective are your marketing efforts? Don’t give up if you don’t receive an offer quickly, remember there are hundreds of thousands of homes available in the market so let’s make yours stand out for potential buyers.

Offer incentives to potential buyers: This could be credit for repairs, money towards closing, appliances, home warranties and so on. Remember, your real estate agent will provide information about your home to potential buyers and can answer questions quickly and can help potential buyers feel comfortable enough to make that offer.

Be sure to Contact me today for a hassle free, no obligation assessment of your home’s value and let me show you the key factors in obtaining a top dollar sale on your home and download our FREE Buyer Tips for more informative ways to sell your home quickly!

Attract More Buyers in Lake County California: Open House

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Most potential buyers drive through neighborhoods to see what they like before scheduling an appointment and when there is an open house, chances are, they are interested! Shout Out Your Open House by adding colorful balloons near the driveway and signs that clearly direct traffic.

Add a little ambiance and aroma by baking fresh cookies and warm inviting fragrances…you know what I mean. When you visit family during the holidays, you get that warm cozy feeling-

Your real estate agent will provide information about your home to potential buyers and has staged your home to show off its true value. So when you get ready to sell your home, let’s shout out your Lake County open house and get an offer right away!

Be sure to Contact me today for a hassle free, no obligation assessment of your home’s value and let me show you the key factors in obtaining a top dollar sale on your home and download our FREE Buyer Tips for more informative ways to sell your home quickly!

Attract More Buyers in Lake County California: Great staging tips!

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Most potential buyers feel a bit uncomfortable when walking through your home so here are some great and easy staging tips to ensure your home feels more like their new home:

- Remove personal objects such as family photos

- Clear out the clutter, there should be minimal furniture in each room

- Countertops should have only a few items

- Bathrooms should be set for a guest

- Aromas are nice so if you choose to add aromas, be subtle not overpowering

Remember, a potential buyer wants to buy your home, not necessarily the contents or your family, so pack up your personal items and show off your fabulous Lake County Home!