Very Vintage Vegas

Home Improvements That Matter
Santa Maria – Orcutt Monday Market Update
Sunday Funnies
Rain is GOOD!
CAR Market Conditions Report
Closing Costs in a Real Estate Transaction
Santa Maria – Orcutt Monday Market Update
Open House in Orcutt Today
Saturday Night Wine Tasting in Orcutt
Condo Listings Growing in the Santa Maria Valley

Posted: 04 Mar 2014 12:05 AM PST

According to the California Association of REALTORS®, these are the modifications that will bring you the most bang for your buck. In a prior post back in November, I shared with you a top-ten list of features that buyers hope to find in their new home — click here to read it, then return to this post by using your browser back arrow.

Any questions? Feel free to call me at (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below, and I’ll get right back to you! Comments are also welcome; see below.

Santa Maria – Orcutt Monday Market Update

Posted: 03 Mar 2014 09:23 AM PST

What’s that old saying about the month of March? “In like a lamb, out like a lion”? Well, when you see the reported stats for last week, that certainly applies to the month of February! The last week of February was certainly as good for real estate sales, as it was for drought relief here in the Santa Maria Valley. Listing inventory is up again, and I think you will see the difference in the market when you compare to activity this time last year.

2014

2013

Inventory is up 68% over last year! The “distress sales” category (short sales, bank-owned REO) is down from 9 total to 3. Average sold price is about 22% higher today than last year.

Higher inventory means a better selection which translates to more competition. Sellers need to put their best foot forward and be real about market value. Buyers have more from which to choose and can be slightly pickier.

It is a changing market. If you are planning to buy or sell, give me a call and let’s talk strategy! I can be easily reached at (805) 937-5777 or complete the Contact form below.

Sunday Funnies

Posted: 02 Mar 2014 09:56 AM PST

When I was growing up in a family of five, it was always a race on Sunday mornings to see which of the three kids would get to the Sunday “funnies” first! As the youngest, I was always last and had to read them second hand, after my brother and sister had finished giggling and laughing at them. I rarely read the comic section anymore, but thought this cartoon was cute enough to share for a little Sunday morning humor! Any human owned by a cat will understand and appreciate it…

Have a wonderful day and remember, I’m a phone call away when you are ready to buy or sell real estate! (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below.

Rain is GOOD!

Posted: 01 Mar 2014 12:01 AM PST

Not only is the rain we are currently experiencing a most welcome antidote to our recent drought, but it can also help you determine the condition of your roof! Take a good look to see if any unwanted little leaks are springing up, either inside your home, or even in the garage. Checking your rain gutters to be sure they aren’t clogged? Maybe the wrong time for that, but on the other hand, when the rain stops for a few minutes, go out and see if you need to spend a little time on a ladder cleaning them. Rain is wonderful and very much needed, and so is a good roof to keep you dry! Bet the local roofing contractors are going to have their hands full in the next week or so!

Call me for local real estate information, I’m always glad to help! (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below. Comments also welcomed, below the Contact form!

CAR Market Conditions Report

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:00 AM PST

The California Association of REALTORS® most recent report on housing in our state. This is a good overview, although the fact is, real estate is local. What happens in the Santa Maria Valley real estate market is not going to match the status of the Newport Beach market, or even the Bakersfield market, to get a little closer to home. Stay tuned to my weekly reports on Mondays when you want to dial into Santa Maria and Orcutt!

Give me a call if you would like more information, or just want to buy or sell a home — that’s my area of expertise, for over 28 years and counting!

Closing Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 12:05 AM PST

When preparing to buy or sell a home, remember that the expense of the sale is more than just the price that is negotiated between the buyer and seller. Closing costs must be factored in: for the buyer, it means money brought in at the end to cover the additional costs. For the seller, closing costs are a reduction in the net proceeds of the sale.

What costs are typical in our area?

For the buyer

Costs typically include one half of the escrow fee, which is a percentage of the sale price; a home inspection, which can range from $300-400, usually based on the size of the home; a title insurance policy for the buyer’s lender; wiring fees; homeowners insurance policy; credit report; appraisal fee; and financing costs, as determined by the buyer’s lender.

For the seller

Costs may include one half of the escrow fee; title insurance providing clear title; existing mortgage pay-off and related costs charged by the lender; real estate commission; homeowner association transfer costs, if applicable; repairs negotiated with the buyer, if any; termite repairs, if any; documentary transfer tax; misc. fees such as recording, wiring, etc.; and seller’s share of property taxes up to the date of closing.

Note: the above are some of the typical fees, but there may be more or less in your transaction. Each situation is different.

As your agent, whether buying, selling or both, I will be happy to provide an estimate of your expenses!

For more details, please give me a call at (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below.

Santa Maria – Orcutt Monday Market Update

Posted: 24 Feb 2014 09:57 AM PST

Santa Maria Valley is now experiencing the highest inventory in months! This is great news for buyers, but for sellers — there is a little more competition. Sales are going along, but not at a pace that would be worthy of writing home about. It would be safe to say the new year is off to a medium to slow start, hopefully gearing up for the touted “Spring Market” that often occurs from April to June, when school lets out for the summer. June will slow down again, as it is a month laden with activities that outshine house-hunting: weddings, graduations, Father’s Day, the conclusion of the school year and the start of vacations.

Here are the results for last week.

Let’s take a look at the same time frame in 2013!

A considerable improvement for 2014 on several counts: market values and lack of short sales and REOs. It is a solid indication that our local real estate market is healing nicely!

For more information about our market, or to discuss buying or listing a home, please give me a call at (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below. Thank you!

Open House in Orcutt Today

Posted: 23 Feb 2014 12:10 AM PST

Please come by and check out this beautiful home in the Village of Northpoint! Four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, remodeled kitchen, fireplace and a patio overlooking a wooded greenbelt! Decorator detailing includes glass-front, lighted cabinets for your special glassware or china, a tiled fireplace with built-in drawers under the raised hearth, tile fronted staircase with laminated treads, and more! Clean and ready for a new owner — all you have to do is move in and enjoy!

The community amenities, for Northpoint owners only, include a sparkling swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, volleyball court, horseshoes, children’s playground equipment, BBQ pits and picnic areas!

Located conveniently to the new Union Valley Parkway, which now goes through to the 101, and Highway 135 for trips to Vandenberg! Orcutt School District, and walking distance to Righetti High and St. Joseph’s High.

Priced at only $279,900 — come on by and say hello! Open 1-3pm, at 622 Shady Lane. You won’t want to leave this warm, inviting home!

For more information, please give me a call at (805)937-5777 or complete the Contact form below.

Saturday Night Wine Tasting in Orcutt

Posted: 22 Feb 2014 12:45 AM PST

Mark Steller has some great wines for tonight! While that is nothing unusual, tonight he features some winery “close-outs” that are priced so low you will cheat yourself if you don’t stock up while you can! Tasting starts at 5:00 and winds down at 8:30, in the tasting room at the Old Town Market.

Support our local businesses! If you’ve never been before, treat yourself tonight!

405 East Clark in Old Orcutt – see you there!

Condo Listings Growing in the Santa Maria Valley

Posted: 21 Feb 2014 06:00 AM PST

Sounds funny, that title, because as everyone knows the Santa Maria Valley grows great crops of vegetables and strawberries! So condo listings are not literally growing here, but the number of the active listings in the condo/PUD category has grown twofold since my last report on the condo inventory on January 24. In less than a month, our condo inventory has literally doubled, from 9 to 18!

Today, the average price of a condo/PUD in the local market is $257,000, the average square footage is 1,573, the average price per square foot is $164, and the average “days on market” is 24.

8 of the 18 homes are priced over $300,000. 3 are in the $200,000 range, and 8 are priced under $200,000.

9 are two bedrooms, 8 are 3 bedrooms, and just one has 4 bedrooms. Check that one out here, priced at just $279,900!

Life in a condo or PUD is something many people love. Those that enjoy condo living typically appreciate the amenities offered by being part of a community, such as a pool, tennis, volleyball and sports courts, clubhouses, etc. that don’t require the agony of upkeep! Condos are often more affordable than single family homes, too!

Questions about our condo inventory? Just give me a call at (805)937-5777 and I’ll be happy to help!

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