Lynda's Market Update for Spring 2010....
Your market area ended 2009 with an optimistic 123 West High and Southwood homes SOLD in one of the worst economic years ever. Our lowest Single Family Home sale was $490,000 (only one, thank goodness) and our highest was $1,299,000! Most of the sales settled in the $600,000-$700,000 range.
The first time buyers continue to fire the market with the great FHA government backed 3.5% down loan and the tax credit incentive. We actually saw an increase at the end of last year of 1%-3% in the lower price ranges in West High and Southwood single family homes.
The beginning of 2010 shows 36 West High and Southwood homes either in escrow or closed escrow. There are currently 19 West High and Southwood Homes on the market (out of 6000 homes). My last two listings sold in February and March in 4 Days!
Some challenges and obstacles to overcome in 2010 are appraisals, the expiration of the tax credit and the possible increase of interest rates.
Appraisals: Unless you can pay CASH, the Banks are very, very tight on their appraisals, and we are having some challenges getting the bank to agree with our sales prices. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender guidelines state they can only use sales within ONE MILE of the property and only 3 months old! We are, when we can, removing appraisal contingencies from contracts, if the buyers agree we are within reason on our sales price.
Remember, who sets market value on a property: A willing Seller and a willing Buyer. Not a bank. HOWEVER, we have to live with the bank's reality of market value if they are lending us the money.
We are all guessing what the expiration of the tax credit and possible interest rate increases will do to the second half of 2010. Even if the tax credit is not extended and interest rates creep up, it is still a great time to buy. Prices are low, low, low. And they are not making any more West High and Southwood land to build new houses!
The real winners are the people who are fortunate enough to sell their existing homes and buy their dream homes. They win in the long run because the price on their dream home or retirement home is very low.
If you have a question that you would like me to address here, please give me a call or email me at: Fasthouses@aol.com or 310-560-3774.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Excerpts from the Realtor Code of Ethics
UNDER ALL IS THE LAND. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS* should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful
environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce.
They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients,
customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession.
REALTORS® having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may
violate the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or
customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of REALTORS®. (Amended 1/00)
Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, REALTORS® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or where REALTORS® believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.
The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and
high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral
conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no
instruction from clients ever can justify departure from this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS* can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them."
environment.
Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce.
They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor.
In recognition and appreciation of their obligations to clients,
customers, the public, and each other, REALTORS® continuously strive to become and remain informed on issues affecting real estate and, as knowledgeable professionals, they willingly share the fruit of their experience and study with others. They identify and take steps, through enforcement of this Code of Ethics and by assisting appropriate regulatory bodies, to eliminate practices which may damage the public or which might discredit or bring dishonor to the real estate profession.
REALTORS® having direct personal knowledge of conduct that may
violate the Code of Ethics involving misappropriation of client or
customer funds or property, willful discrimination, or fraud resulting in substantial economic harm, bring such matters to the attention of the appropriate Board or Association of REALTORS®. (Amended 1/00)
Realizing that cooperation with other real estate professionals promotes the best interests of those who utilize their services, REALTORS® urge exclusive representation of clients; do not attempt to gain any unfair advantage over their competitors; and they refrain from making unsolicited comments about other practitioners. In instances where their opinion is sought, or where REALTORS® believe that comment is necessary, their opinion is offered in an objective, professional manner, uninfluenced by any personal motivation or potential advantage or gain.
The term REALTOR® has come to connote competency, fairness, and
high integrity resulting from adherence to a lofty ideal of moral
conduct in business relations. No inducement of profit and no
instruction from clients ever can justify departure from this ideal.
In the interpretation of this obligation, REALTORS* can take no safer guide than that which has been handed down through the centuries, embodied in the Golden Rule, "Whatsoever ye would that others should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Great Reasons to Sell Your House During the 2009 Holiday Season!
Holidays offer home selling advantage! When the Holidays roll around, one is reminded of the hustle and bustle that comes with the season. This is the same frenzy that can create very favorable conditions for selling a home.
Here are some top reasons to List and Sell your home during the Holidays:
1. The buyers that are out during the holidays are SERIOUS. They need to move. They may have had a job transfer or their existing home may have sold. They need to move now.
2. You will enjoy less traffic and fewer "looky-loos" and each showing should be more serious.
3. Typically, in January, the market is saturated with new listings with even more homes coming on the market as we get closer to Spring.
4. Some buyers need to close escrow on a home before the end of the year for tax reasons.
5. Buyers have more time off during the Holidays to look for a home.
6. The houses show beautifully decorated for the Holidays!
7. If you get your home sold now, you will be a premium "non-contingent" buyer ready to take advantage of the Spring market when there is typically many homes to choose from.
8. You can control the timing of your move, either by negotiating a "rent back" or having the escrow close between the major Holidays or closing just after the Holidays in January.
Do consider marketing your home during the Holidays as waiting for the Holidays to pass may mean passing on the marketing advantages that only the Holidays can offer.
For more information and a Free Marketing Evaluation of your home, call Lynda McDonough, Remax Execs, 310-560-3774 or visit my web site at: http://www.westhighhomes.com/
Saturday, August 22, 2009
2009 vs. 1929?
Good morning....It is Saturday morning before a very busy real estate weekend in West Torrance. Did I say "busy real estate weekend"? How could that be if we are still in a recession? This Saturday morning's paper reads "highest unemployment in the recorded history of California". Yet, how can I explain my "recession" phone ringing off the hook with people that want to buy? You can see that excitement and fire in the buyers' eyes again. Wow, they are going to be homeowners and they have no uncertainty that this is a good time be one.
I'm not telling them that.....they just know it!!!
And the sellers.....they are excited, too. They can move on. They are finally getting the truth about "the right time to sell". It is what I have always tried to share with my public....it is the right time to sell, when it is the right time in YOUR life. That is the biggest reason and is really evidenced by this past and painful recession. Quality of life. This lifetime, that we have all worked so hard on, won't last forever.
So, the biggest difference between 1929 and 2009? Their depression lasted a whole decade! We have started to dig our heels in and recover already. Strong spirited people are rebuilding, rethinking and creating businesses and ideas they never thought they would do before. People are seeing great opportunities and "deals" out there. They are taking advantage of them and starting to rebuild our economy with them. Entrepreneurship spirit is starting to pull us forward.
The 1929 depression left scares on that generation. After that depression, they never wasted anything and always remembered to save (alot). They didn't buy much on credit and appreciated every pair of shoes and light bulb they used.
I don't think that is so silly anymore. I hope my generation now balances our "plenty" with more of those ideas. And, I hope our children remember what we have gone through. I tell them now, "Don't complain about doing the dishes....just be glad you have dishes to do!"
I am a product of the 50's where we had plenty. Now I have balance and appreciate being able to have the things I need to take care of my little piece of the world, work hard, and do a good, quality job for my clients.
So, I see life, excitement and spirit already coming back in our area.
Remember, Real Estate is very, VERY local. Even some streets in West High will command higher or lower prices.
The price ranges from $500,000-$700,000 are flying off the market. Those prices are even creeping up.
The higher ranges - $750,000- and up in West High are struggling. But, they are soon to come and be in demand as the lower price range demand pushes up to the higher priced homes.
We should see a strong sales market this Fall and Winter as the $8000 tax credit is still very appealing. Even after the November 30th deadline, there should still be the very serious buyers out there that need to close, for tax reasons, by the end of the year.
But, remember. You are not buying a "Market". You are buying a home. You are buying the next step.
Thank you for reading.
Please email me at Fasthouses@aol.com - I would love your comments.
Hope to see you in the neighborhood!
I'm not telling them that.....they just know it!!!
And the sellers.....they are excited, too. They can move on. They are finally getting the truth about "the right time to sell". It is what I have always tried to share with my public....it is the right time to sell, when it is the right time in YOUR life. That is the biggest reason and is really evidenced by this past and painful recession. Quality of life. This lifetime, that we have all worked so hard on, won't last forever.
So, the biggest difference between 1929 and 2009? Their depression lasted a whole decade! We have started to dig our heels in and recover already. Strong spirited people are rebuilding, rethinking and creating businesses and ideas they never thought they would do before. People are seeing great opportunities and "deals" out there. They are taking advantage of them and starting to rebuild our economy with them. Entrepreneurship spirit is starting to pull us forward.
The 1929 depression left scares on that generation. After that depression, they never wasted anything and always remembered to save (alot). They didn't buy much on credit and appreciated every pair of shoes and light bulb they used.
I don't think that is so silly anymore. I hope my generation now balances our "plenty" with more of those ideas. And, I hope our children remember what we have gone through. I tell them now, "Don't complain about doing the dishes....just be glad you have dishes to do!"
I am a product of the 50's where we had plenty. Now I have balance and appreciate being able to have the things I need to take care of my little piece of the world, work hard, and do a good, quality job for my clients.
So, I see life, excitement and spirit already coming back in our area.
Remember, Real Estate is very, VERY local. Even some streets in West High will command higher or lower prices.
The price ranges from $500,000-$700,000 are flying off the market. Those prices are even creeping up.
The higher ranges - $750,000- and up in West High are struggling. But, they are soon to come and be in demand as the lower price range demand pushes up to the higher priced homes.
We should see a strong sales market this Fall and Winter as the $8000 tax credit is still very appealing. Even after the November 30th deadline, there should still be the very serious buyers out there that need to close, for tax reasons, by the end of the year.
But, remember. You are not buying a "Market". You are buying a home. You are buying the next step.
Thank you for reading.
Please email me at Fasthouses@aol.com - I would love your comments.
Hope to see you in the neighborhood!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Whew....got through my first six sales of West High and Southwood Homes for 2009! It was full of frustration and excitement. Challenges and simplicities. I will try to explain them all so we can be ready for this new "normal" in the real estate world.
The BIGGEST change is in appraisals. After interviewing several appraisers and lenders, I have come to learn that the government has taken over the appraisal industry. The government has capped the amount of money an appraiser can make, cutting their income drastically. The government has called this take over "HVCC" and I will provide a link to give you more information. Welcome to My TBWS Page Request For Reconsideration of HVCC This law states that lenders may not ever contact their local appraisers for any reason...even if there is a problem. If the lender wants an appraisal done, he submits it to this giant website and it becomes a "job" available to any appraiser anywhere. Appraisers are also terrified of not pleasing the banks and being taken off their "approved panel" list. So, with the appraisers not making much money and having no incentive except for pleasing the banks, this is what is happening:
1) Appraisers are coming to appraise West Torrance homes from Rowland Heights, Bakersfield, San Clemente and San Fernando Valley. They have no knowledge of the area and they don't care. (Remember, the government just took over their job and told them what they can earn.)
2) Appraisers are bringing value in, across the board, 10% below value to please the banks and stay on their good list. They are not using appropriate comps (comparing a house on Anza to a house on Laurette) and ignoring the correct comps.
3) Our best appraisers are looking to get out of the business.
How does this affect you if you are in escrow: Let's say you sold your house for $600,000 with a solid 20% down payment from the buyer. Now the appraisal comes in at $540,000 (10% reduction). Now the bank will only loan 80% of $540,000 instead of 80% of $600,000. The bank will only lend $432,000 instead of $480,000. This makes a gap of $48,000 that either the buyer has to make up with cash, or, the seller has to come down in price in order to close this escrow.
In selling my last 6 West High houses this year, I have experienced the following "fall out":
1) Some unscrupulous people (buyers and agents) have intentionally offered higher sales prices in order to tie up the property in escrow knowing the appraisal won't come in for what they offered to pay for the house. Then, they try to "bully" the seller down on their price in escrow.
In order to avoid this, I have been asking for appraisal contingencies to be removed on all offers.
I "lost" 8 offers on 4835 Halison because of asking for the buyer to remove the appraisal contingency and stick to their original sales price they promised the seller they would pay for the house. 8 buyers walked away!!! Holding out for the right buyer paid off, because, the 9th buyer had 37% down (ability to handle appraisal coming in low) met our price and removed the appraisal contingency! The buyer satisfied themselves by looking at the recent sales. And, needless to say, my seller is very happy that we will close the escrow without getting beat up on the price in the middle of the escrow.
Is there a moral to this story? Yes! As I have said for 24 years....Banks, Agents, Zillow, Twitter...whatever, doesn't set PROPERTY VALUE!! Buyers and Sellers do!!
Now, for the good news: The buyers mind has changed!!! They want to buy and know this is a great time to do it! So, we have lots and lots of excited people out there looking for a house.
Now, can these buyers get a loan? Well, it is very simple. They can have one of two loans. That's it. Very, very, simple. They can have an FHA loan (or VA loan) or put 20% down. Don't fret. There is ALOT of money out there. Many people have been sitting on it waiting for the market to drop.
On the flip side, there is a huge section of the market that cannot get loans now. This cuts into available people able to make offers on your house.
It is still very tough for self-employed people to get a loan right now. I am staying on top of it and will know as soon as a good loan product comes out for us hard working, self-employed folks.
Prices are NOT going up at this writing. In fact, they have slipped about 3% in our West High Area. Foreclosures and short sales are still rearing their ugly heads and keeping prices stagnant or slightly dipping. (Yes, we have foreclosures in West High, just much smaller percentage than other areas.)
Prime properties (great locations, cosmetically appealing) are getting multiple offers, but, it is amazing that these offers are not bidding the price up - very little at most.
The BIGGEST change is in appraisals. After interviewing several appraisers and lenders, I have come to learn that the government has taken over the appraisal industry. The government has capped the amount of money an appraiser can make, cutting their income drastically. The government has called this take over "HVCC" and I will provide a link to give you more information. Welcome to My TBWS Page Request For Reconsideration of HVCC This law states that lenders may not ever contact their local appraisers for any reason...even if there is a problem. If the lender wants an appraisal done, he submits it to this giant website and it becomes a "job" available to any appraiser anywhere. Appraisers are also terrified of not pleasing the banks and being taken off their "approved panel" list. So, with the appraisers not making much money and having no incentive except for pleasing the banks, this is what is happening:
1) Appraisers are coming to appraise West Torrance homes from Rowland Heights, Bakersfield, San Clemente and San Fernando Valley. They have no knowledge of the area and they don't care. (Remember, the government just took over their job and told them what they can earn.)
2) Appraisers are bringing value in, across the board, 10% below value to please the banks and stay on their good list. They are not using appropriate comps (comparing a house on Anza to a house on Laurette) and ignoring the correct comps.
3) Our best appraisers are looking to get out of the business.
How does this affect you if you are in escrow: Let's say you sold your house for $600,000 with a solid 20% down payment from the buyer. Now the appraisal comes in at $540,000 (10% reduction). Now the bank will only loan 80% of $540,000 instead of 80% of $600,000. The bank will only lend $432,000 instead of $480,000. This makes a gap of $48,000 that either the buyer has to make up with cash, or, the seller has to come down in price in order to close this escrow.
In selling my last 6 West High houses this year, I have experienced the following "fall out":
1) Some unscrupulous people (buyers and agents) have intentionally offered higher sales prices in order to tie up the property in escrow knowing the appraisal won't come in for what they offered to pay for the house. Then, they try to "bully" the seller down on their price in escrow.
In order to avoid this, I have been asking for appraisal contingencies to be removed on all offers.
I "lost" 8 offers on 4835 Halison because of asking for the buyer to remove the appraisal contingency and stick to their original sales price they promised the seller they would pay for the house. 8 buyers walked away!!! Holding out for the right buyer paid off, because, the 9th buyer had 37% down (ability to handle appraisal coming in low) met our price and removed the appraisal contingency! The buyer satisfied themselves by looking at the recent sales. And, needless to say, my seller is very happy that we will close the escrow without getting beat up on the price in the middle of the escrow.
Is there a moral to this story? Yes! As I have said for 24 years....Banks, Agents, Zillow, Twitter...whatever, doesn't set PROPERTY VALUE!! Buyers and Sellers do!!
Now, for the good news: The buyers mind has changed!!! They want to buy and know this is a great time to do it! So, we have lots and lots of excited people out there looking for a house.
Now, can these buyers get a loan? Well, it is very simple. They can have one of two loans. That's it. Very, very, simple. They can have an FHA loan (or VA loan) or put 20% down. Don't fret. There is ALOT of money out there. Many people have been sitting on it waiting for the market to drop.
On the flip side, there is a huge section of the market that cannot get loans now. This cuts into available people able to make offers on your house.
It is still very tough for self-employed people to get a loan right now. I am staying on top of it and will know as soon as a good loan product comes out for us hard working, self-employed folks.
Prices are NOT going up at this writing. In fact, they have slipped about 3% in our West High Area. Foreclosures and short sales are still rearing their ugly heads and keeping prices stagnant or slightly dipping. (Yes, we have foreclosures in West High, just much smaller percentage than other areas.)
Prime properties (great locations, cosmetically appealing) are getting multiple offers, but, it is amazing that these offers are not bidding the price up - very little at most.
My Chrystal Ball says, "Get an experienced agent with a good reputation to navigate this new real estate world." Call me today to help you on your next real estate decision!
Lynda McDonough, 310-560-3774
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Has the West Torrance Market Hit the Bottom?
To answer that question, I defer to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) 2009 economic forecast. C.A.R. predicts YES, if your talking annual home sales and, NO, if your looking at median home prices.
The sales picture is brighter than it was a year ago, but, C.A.R. forecasts a 6 percent slide in the statewide median home price in 2009. C.A.R. Deputy Chief Economist Robert Kleinhenz, further states: "This reflects the continued influence of the foreclosure market on the statewide median price."
Kleinhenz advises that market performance varies drastically by city to city and even zip code. "What counts is the trend in local market prices." he says.
"Timing matters a lot less if you are buying a home you are going to live in for seven to ten years. For buyers who adopt a long-term strategy, it may make sense to go ahead and buy when they find a home that both meets their needs and is affordable, because it might not be available six months from now."
So, I say, let's go back to the fundamentals. Why do you buy a house?
The founder of Inman News, states, "One, the government subsidizes it, because we support home ownership as a great public policy. Two, it's a way to save. It's the ultimate form of freedom. This has to return."
This ultimate form of freedom will not only return, it has never left! The value in living in West Torrance has never gone away. The pretty tree-lined streets with their clean sidewalks are still there. The cute original 1955 bungalows to the million dollar remodels are still wonderful to live in. The beach is still only a mile and a half away. We still have a climate that only 1% percent of the planet enjoys! And, who could forget our famous schools where 98% of the students who graduate West High go on to college?!
This current turmoil will pass, as our values of home ownership are still firmly in place.
And so,in closing, let me share with you that I have survived two of the worst years for California real estate in decades. I have done so by striving to stay positive, speaking the truth and guiding my clients and myself through unfamiliar and sometimes unpleasant real estate scenarios. I have poured over pages of real estate data, sought out and consulted with every real estate colleague and expert, so that I can remain competent and provide the best counsel to my clients. I have learned valuable new skills, like helping with short sale or foreclosure procedures and most importantly, become an expert on correctly pricing properties. This skill, above all, has helped me save thousands of dollars for my clients.
I have gone back to my fundamentals. I am striving to be a great salesperson. I am researching my market more than ever in order to bring more valuable information to my clients. I need to listen more than ever and have dialogue with my clients more than ever. I need to help people come to the right decisions and buy real estate for the right reasons.
Yes, I have always done this. But, now I do it much, much better.
The sales picture is brighter than it was a year ago, but, C.A.R. forecasts a 6 percent slide in the statewide median home price in 2009. C.A.R. Deputy Chief Economist Robert Kleinhenz, further states: "This reflects the continued influence of the foreclosure market on the statewide median price."
Kleinhenz advises that market performance varies drastically by city to city and even zip code. "What counts is the trend in local market prices." he says.
"Timing matters a lot less if you are buying a home you are going to live in for seven to ten years. For buyers who adopt a long-term strategy, it may make sense to go ahead and buy when they find a home that both meets their needs and is affordable, because it might not be available six months from now."
So, I say, let's go back to the fundamentals. Why do you buy a house?
The founder of Inman News, states, "One, the government subsidizes it, because we support home ownership as a great public policy. Two, it's a way to save. It's the ultimate form of freedom. This has to return."
This ultimate form of freedom will not only return, it has never left! The value in living in West Torrance has never gone away. The pretty tree-lined streets with their clean sidewalks are still there. The cute original 1955 bungalows to the million dollar remodels are still wonderful to live in. The beach is still only a mile and a half away. We still have a climate that only 1% percent of the planet enjoys! And, who could forget our famous schools where 98% of the students who graduate West High go on to college?!
This current turmoil will pass, as our values of home ownership are still firmly in place.
And so,in closing, let me share with you that I have survived two of the worst years for California real estate in decades. I have done so by striving to stay positive, speaking the truth and guiding my clients and myself through unfamiliar and sometimes unpleasant real estate scenarios. I have poured over pages of real estate data, sought out and consulted with every real estate colleague and expert, so that I can remain competent and provide the best counsel to my clients. I have learned valuable new skills, like helping with short sale or foreclosure procedures and most importantly, become an expert on correctly pricing properties. This skill, above all, has helped me save thousands of dollars for my clients.
I have gone back to my fundamentals. I am striving to be a great salesperson. I am researching my market more than ever in order to bring more valuable information to my clients. I need to listen more than ever and have dialogue with my clients more than ever. I need to help people come to the right decisions and buy real estate for the right reasons.
Yes, I have always done this. But, now I do it much, much better.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Sleigh Bells Ring, Are You Listing?
Holidays offer home selling advantage! When the Holidays roll around, one is reminded of the hustle and bustle that comes with the season. This is the same frenzy that can create very favorable conditions for selling a home.
Here are some top reasons to List and Sell your home during the Holidays:
1. The buyers that are out during the holidays are SERIOUS. They need to move. They may have had a job transfer or their existing home may have sold. They need to move now.
2. You will enjoy less traffic and fewer "looky-loos" and each showing should be more serious.
3. Typically, in January, the market is saturated with new listings with even more homes coming on the market as we get closer to Spring.
4. Some buyers need to close escrow on a home before the end of the year for tax reasons.
5. Buyers have more time off during the Holidays to look for a home.
6. The houses show beautifully decorated for the Holidays!
7. If you get your home sold now, you will be a premium "non-contingent" buyer ready to take advantage of the Spring market when there is typically many homes to choose from.
8. You can control the timing of your move, either by negotiating a "rent back" or having the escrow close between the major Holidays or closing just after the Holidays in January.
Do consider marketing your home during the Holidays as waiting for the Holidays to pass may mean passing on the marketing advantages that only the Holidays can offer.
For more information and a Free Marketing Evaluation of your home, call Lynda McDonough, Keller Williams Realty South Bay, 310-560-3774 or visit my web site at: www.WestHighHomes.com
Here are some top reasons to List and Sell your home during the Holidays:
1. The buyers that are out during the holidays are SERIOUS. They need to move. They may have had a job transfer or their existing home may have sold. They need to move now.
2. You will enjoy less traffic and fewer "looky-loos" and each showing should be more serious.
3. Typically, in January, the market is saturated with new listings with even more homes coming on the market as we get closer to Spring.
4. Some buyers need to close escrow on a home before the end of the year for tax reasons.
5. Buyers have more time off during the Holidays to look for a home.
6. The houses show beautifully decorated for the Holidays!
7. If you get your home sold now, you will be a premium "non-contingent" buyer ready to take advantage of the Spring market when there is typically many homes to choose from.
8. You can control the timing of your move, either by negotiating a "rent back" or having the escrow close between the major Holidays or closing just after the Holidays in January.
Do consider marketing your home during the Holidays as waiting for the Holidays to pass may mean passing on the marketing advantages that only the Holidays can offer.
For more information and a Free Marketing Evaluation of your home, call Lynda McDonough, Keller Williams Realty South Bay, 310-560-3774 or visit my web site at: www.WestHighHomes.com
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