• Struggling To Find a Home To Buy? New Construction May Be an Option

    There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great time to list if you’re ready to make a change. But if you do sell your house right now, you may be wondering where you’ll go when you move.

    With so few homes available to buy right now, you might be considering building a new home as one of your options. But you may be unsure if that’s the way to go. Let’s compare the benefits of a newly built home versus moving into an existing one, and why working with a real estate agent  throughout the process is mission-critical to your success no matter what you decide.

    The Pros of Newly Built Homes

    First, let’s look at the benefits of purchasing a newly constructed home. With a brand-new home, you’ll be able to:

    1. Create your perfect home.

    If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.

    2. Cash-in on energy efficiency.

    When building a home, you can choose energy-efficient options to help lower your utility costs, protect the environment, and reduce your carbon footprint.

    3. Minimize the need for repairs.

    Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little projects to tackle. QuickenLoans puts it like  this:

    “Buying a new construction vs. existing home typically means you’ll have fewer repairs to do. It can be a huge relief to know that it’s unlikely you’ll have to repair the roof or replace the furnace.”

    4. Have brand new everything.

    Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.

    The Pros of Existing Homes

    Now, let’s compare that to the perks that come with buying an existing home. With a pre-existing home, you can:

    1. Explore a wider variety of home styles and floorplans.

    With decades of homes to choose from, you’ll have a broader range of floorplans and designs available.

    2. Join an established neighborhood.

    Existing homes give you the option to get to know the neighborhood, community, or traffic patterns before you commit.

    3. Enjoy mature trees and landscaping.

    Established neighborhoods also have more developed landscaping and trees, which can give you additional privacy and curb appeal. As Investopedia  says, if you buy an existing home:

    “Odds are, too, that the home will have mature landscaping, so you won’t have to worry about starting a lawn, planting shrubs, and waiting for trees to grow.”

    4. Appreciate that lived-in charm.

    The character of older homes is hard to reproduce. If you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements, you may prefer an existing home. According to  Houseopedia:

    Charm is priceless. Existing homes, especially those built in the 1950’s or before, often offer architectural elements, historic charm and a quality of craftsmanship not available in new homes.”

    The choice is yours. When you start your search for the perfect home, remember that you can go either route – you just need to decide which features and benefits are most important to you. Working with the guidance of your trusted real estate advisor will help you make the most informed and educated decision, so you can move into the home of your dreams.

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    Bottom Line

    If you have questions about the options in your area, let’s discuss what’s available and what’s right for you, so you’re ready to make your next move with confidence.

  • 5 Things to Remember When Selling Your Home in Spring

    With spring right around the corner, many home buyers are coming out of hibernation and are getting ready to step into the market to find their perfect home. So if you’ve considered selling this spring, know that it’s a great time to move forward with those plans.

    Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to successfully sell your home while flowers are in full bloom:

    There will be more competition

    The spring and summer months tend to be the most active when it comes to home sales. The change of seasons naturally sets up the mood for people to start thinking about finally moving into a new home. For families with school-age kids, it also makes sense to find a new place to live before summer ends so that moving will be less stressful and will suit everyone’s schedule. We buy houses Rocklin Ca

    As you prepare to list your home, keep the extra competition in mind. The best approach is to price your home right, from the start. With the influx of buyers and a competitive market, you won’t have to worry about not making a profit because you’ll often get offers above the listing price. Consider checking out open houses in your neighborhood before finally putting up your own for-sale sign so you can see what nearby homes look like, their common features or amenities, and what price they’re listed for.

    Curb appeal makes a huge difference

    Boosting your home’s curb appeal can do wonders to its ability to attract potential buyers. When the flowers come in full bloom and the grass becomes greener, it will be easier to sell not just a house but a total package. So spruce up the exterior of your home by cleaning up your yard, keeping the grass well-trimmed, and freshening up the fence, mailbox, and other outdoor decor.

    Likewise, you’ll want potential buyers to picture themselves enjoying their time and making memories in the property. Entice them by bringing the outside in! Add or highlight the outdoor living area where people can see themselves having a sip of their chosen beverage while the kids are playing in the pool and they’re entertaining guests with barbeque parties. If you have the time and the budget, re-assess the space where you can add some profit potential into your property, such as adding a fire pit or revamping your deck.

    Take advantage of natural light

    There are many benefits to having more natural light in your home. It has been proven to boost vitamin D levels and improve your mood and mental health. Also, it can help reduce your electricity consumption since you don’t need to flick on your light fixtures as often. And since there’ll be plenty of natural light during the spring, take advantage of it when you sell your home. 

    Natural light is also helpful in staging since it can make smaller rooms feel more spacious and pleasant. So open your windows early in the morning and let the fresh air in. If your home isn’t located on the “brighter” side where light is abundant, you can opt for projects such as painting your eaves white or installing skylights.

    But you also have to keep your home cool

    Depending on where you live, there’ll be a fair amount of heat and humidity once the drier weather comes. So there’s nothing more important than keeping your home comfortable and inviting for would-be home buyers that will come over for viewings. 

    You want to ensure that your home is cool and comfortable by keeping the A/C running and the thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. Buyers will also be able to ensure that the home’s HVAC systems are working efficiently. Having refreshments and snacks ready will also make a great impression on buyers who have been traipsing around town looking at properties in the sweltering heat.

    You need to get a headstart on spring cleaning

    Putting your home on the market this season is the perfect excuse for you to get a head start on spring cleaning. Remember that the first thing you’ll want to do is to make your home look fresh and inviting to potential buyers. Spend time decluttering the living areas and depersonalize the space to allow buyers to envision themselves settling in the home. Try taking a minimalist approach with less furniture and decor. Aside from highlighting its best features, the environment and overall vibe of your home will be extremely important this season to get multiple offers and make the most profit out of your biggest investment.