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Which Offer Should I Take?

9/9/2016

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Which Offer Should I Accept?
You've made the decision to sell, put your home on the market, and if you've price wisely, you may have multiple offers. Now that the real estate market here in Southern California has gone up a bit, you may find yourself in this position.

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California Association of Realtors Market Forecast

9/2/2016

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Today's California housing market and economic outlook for 2016.  See where the market is going and where it has been.

Do you agree or disagree???  
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Real Estate Buzz Words: Will They Make Your Home Sell Faster?

8/24/2016

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I read a something interesting  in Realtor Magazine.  It had to do with the current buzz words in real estate listings that help to sell homes faster.  

Now is this really true, or an over-analysis of something that is far from an exact science?  

As real estate agents, part of our jobs is to write as enticing a description of your home as possible to lure buyers to a showing.  According to CoreLogic,  a leading provider of consumer, financial and property information, analytics and services, certain phrases WILL encourage a shorter time on market and quicker sale.

According to CoreLogic's research, the following phrases had the most impact on a short time on market: 
  • "Fenced Backyard" (Researchers believe this relates to buyers' desire for privacy)
  • "Open Concept"
  •  "Updated Kitchen"
  • "Natural Light"

On the other hand, the research found  that certain word pairings made for a longer time on market.  These include:
  • "Golf Course"
  • "Gourmet Kitchen"
  • "Ceramic Tile"
  • "Granite Countertop"

Researchers couldn't understand why "gourmet kitchen" would be a negative, but one of the theories was that it suggested a "luxury feature that would lead to a higher property value."

"Ceramic tile" and "granite countertop" in my opinion, bring to mind a slightly older and dated home.  Quartz and light engineered wood or faux wood tile is all the rage now.  

Interesting how quickly home trends change!  

Your MLS listing is VERY important to how buyers first see your home.  Is your agent taking the time to bring your home's best features to light?  Are descriptions clear and do they paint an attractive picture?  Also, are the photos showing off your home to its best potential?  Make sure to get a copy of the MLS so you can see what all the buyers out there are seeing!

Source: “Say What?! Public Listing Comments Can Have an Impact on Days on Market?” CoreLogic Insights blog (Aug. 12, 2016)
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The Home Sale Process

8/22/2016

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Selling your home can be a breeze with the right frame of mind and the right real estate agent to do the job.   Knowing what to expect and having realistic expectations will ensure a smooth sale and keep all parties happy and in sync. 

At the Asato Group, we pride ourselves on expert communication, one of the fundamentals of a successful home sale.  From start to finish (and everything in between) we will keep you informed and answer all questions as they arise.  One of the most important parts of choosing your agent should be how well they communicate and keep you up to date during the entire home sale process.  At the Asato Group, we pride ourselves on our accessibility and our open lines of communication. 

Do you have any questions on the 7 steps outlined above?  Contact us and we'll be happy to discuss your questions or concerns.
CONTACT US!
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How Much Money Will I Get From the Sale of My Home?

8/17/2016

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The decision to sell your home is determined by many factors. A big consideration is the amount that you will net after the sale.  How much will really be in your pocket once all the costs and fees of selling are computed?

This is where the net sheet comes in.  The net sheet will give an estimate of how much you will walk away with after the sale of your home.  

While fees will obviously vary, this ball park figure will help you to see the big picture.  

Getting a good, firm estimate of your home's market value is key.  Select the "Home Valuation Report" tab (above) for the free comparative market analysis.  We will pull the comparable properties in your area and give you an estimate for your home's value.

Once you have the value, or if you already have a good idea of what the value is, select the net sheet option below.  

Please let us know if you have any questions, we're here to help!
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Net Sheet Calculator
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Home Improvements Before Selling - Getting Top Dollar!

8/3/2016

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If you have some equity in your home and you're thinking of selling, getting top dollar is usually the first focus.  Sellers with the ability to update and renovate can command higher resale prices.  

While renovating may not be in everyone's budget, there are things that can be done that cost little or no money.

Here's a short list of items that you can do if cash is tight:
  1. CLEAN & DECLUTTER: Few things turn buyers off more than a dirty, messy house.  Donate, sell, or throw away items that you don't need, want or use. Take things off your counters, clean out drawers & closets.  Give your bathrooms and kitchens a good scrubbing, re-caulk shower if possible.
  2. PAINT: While hiring a professional painter can get expensive, painting yourself can make a world of difference.  A new coat of paint inside a room will make it feel fresh and bring some of that "new home smell" into your home.
  3. YARDWORK:  If your yard is less than stellar, clean it up! A lot of homeowners forget about the importance of the outside space, and here in California, outdoor living is so important.  Mow the grass, pull the weeds, throw out items that are broken, rusty, or just plain ugly!
  4. DEODORIZE: Nothing drives away a buyer faster than an unpleasant smell.  I've taken buyers to homes and have them turn right around at the front door because of strong odors.  While you may not notice any smells because of "olfactory desensitization" (you're USED TO those smells!), it will hit someone the minute they walk through the door. Pet odors are particularly unpleasant to those who aren't as pet friendly as others, and while getting pet odors out sometimes isn't feasible, at least remove cat litter boxes, clean up poop from the inside and outside, and spray pet enzyme odor remover. Skout's Honor (pictured below) is a GREAT pet stain and odor remover.
Scout's Honor Pet Enzyme Deodorizer
There are other fixes you can do if you have a few dollars to spend.  Get creative but try to keep color palette neutral and (yes) on the bland side.  

​Grey is the "in" color at the moment, and if you've visited as many new model homes as I have in the past year or so, you'll see that all the builders are decorating with grey hues and tones.  Soothing, calm and sophisticated is the way to go!

While a complete remodel may not be financially feasible, remember, small inexpensive (or even free!) changes can reap big dollar returns!

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What Happens at Closing?

8/1/2016

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Title Insurance

7/30/2016

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Another key component in any real estate transaction is title insurance.
As a seller, you (or your bank if you are in a short sale) will have to purchase title insurance for your home.
Watch the video!
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What's Escrow?

7/30/2016

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Escrow.  The term is thrown around casually, but what exactly IS escrow?
 
Watch the short video above for a simple explanation.   

Escrow officers work hard and their attention to detail is critical to a successful home sale.  We have experienced escrow officers that we have worked closely with for many years, and they will ensure that you have a smooth real estate transaction.
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