Real Estate and Mortgage Insight

Selling a home is a complex and often stressful process, but what if there was a secret strategy used by the rich and famous that could help you sell your home for a much higher price? Well, there is! One Realtor reports that this secret strategy caused a condo to sell for $110,000 more than a similar condo in the same building. The only explanation for the significant difference in price was the seller's use of this secret home-selling strategy.

The story of how this strategy was discovered is quite intriguing. An agent was approached by a wealthy seller who had a special request. He would only hire the agent if he agreed to help him use this secret method to sell the condo. The agent was skeptical, but he was also curious, so he agreed.

The condo was priced at $554,900, much higher than two similar condos in the same complex that were for sale for $479,000 and $439,000. The agent was doubtful that the condo would sell for such a high price, but the seller was confident. After only 1 week on the market, the condo sold for an astonishing $549,000, a record high for the complex.

So, what was the secret strategy? The seller wanted to stage the condo, which involved sprucing up the home to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Staging has been proven to cause homes to sell for much more money, and this case study is just one of many that prove this. 

Selling a home can be a complex process, but with the right staging techniques, you can make it easier and more successful. 

Here are ten tips to help you create an inviting, appealing, and memorable space that potential buyers will love.

1. Declutter and depersonalize. This means removing anything that is not essential, such as excess furniture, family photos, and personal items. The goal is to create a space that feels open, bright, and spacious, so buyers can imagine themselves living there.

2. Add fresh flowers or plants. Adding flowers or plants can bring life to a room and help create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Choose flowers or plants that are in season and complement the décor.

3. Paint with neutral colors. Neutral colors like beige, light grey, or off-white can help create a calming, peaceful atmosphere. These colors can also help make a space feel larger and brighter.

4. Use lighting to your advantage. Good lighting is crucial for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Make sure that each room is well lit, and consider adding additional lamps or light fixtures to help brighten up dark spaces.

5. Focus on key areas. When staging a home, it’s important to focus on the areas that will make the biggest impact. These typically include the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom.

6. Arrange furniture to create flow. Furniture placement can play a big role in creating a space that feels comfortable and inviting. Make sure to arrange furniture in a way that encourages movement and creates a natural flow through the space.

7. Accessorize thoughtfully. Adding the right accessories can help tie a room together and make it feel more complete. Consider adding throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and other decorative elements to help create a cohesive look.

8. Create a welcoming entrance. First impressions are everything, so make sure that your home’s entrance is welcoming and inviting. Add a new doormat, make sure that the door is in good condition, and consider adding some potted plants to help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

9. Make sure the kitchen is functional. The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home, so make sure that it is functional and well-stocked. Clear off countertops, add a few decorative elements, and make sure that all appliances are in good working order.

10. Keep it clean and organized. Cleanliness and organization are key when it comes to staging a home. Make sure that each room is clean and tidy, and consider adding a few organizational elements, such as baskets and shelves, to help keep everything in its place.

By using these tips, you can help create a space that is warm, inviting, and memorable. With the right staging techniques, you can make your home stand out and sell faster, making the process of selling your home easier and more successful.

As a top producing realtor in the southern California market, I have seen the real estate market change significantly over the past 10 years. And let me tell you, one of the biggest challenges that we are currently facing is the combination of a recession, rising interest rates, and a buyers market. But let me tell you this, this should not discourage homeowners from selling their properties. These market conditions can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can still sell your home in a timely manner and for Top Dollar.

Here are the key strategies that you need to master to sell your home in a recession:

Price your home correctly: In a buyers market, it is important to price your home competitively. This means that you should not overprice your home, as it will likely sit on the market for a long time. Instead, you should price your home at a fair market value that is in line with similar properties in your area. If you price your home correctly, you'll attract the right buyers and sell your home faster.

Make your home stand out: With so many properties on the market, it is important to make your home stand out. This means that you should invest in some minor repairs and upgrades to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Remember, first impressions are everything, so make sure your home is in tip-top shape.

Be flexible with showings: In a buyers market, it is important to be flexible with showings. This means that you should be willing to show your home at any time, as potential buyers may be looking at other properties as well. Being flexible with showings will increase the chances of your home being sold.

Be prepared to negotiate: In a buyers market, it is important to be prepared to negotiate. This means that you should be willing to accept a lower offer than what you are asking for, as buyers may be looking for a bargain. Being prepared to negotiate will increase the chances of your home being sold.

Work with a experienced realtor: Finally, it is important to work with a experienced realtor who knows the market and has a proven track record of success. A good realtor will be able to guide you through the process and help you navigate the challenges of selling your home in a recession. A good realtor will help you sell your home faster.

In conclusion, selling your home in a recession with rising interest rates and a buyers market can be challenging, but it is not impossible. With the right approach, you can still sell your home in a timely manner. Remember that pricing your home correctly, making your home stand out, being flexible with showings, being prepared to negotiate, and working with a experienced realtor are key steps to take when selling your home in this type of market. Don't let the market conditions discourage you, master these strategies and you'll be on your way to selling your home.

Oceanside, Ca Realtor® Christopher Rodriguez announced as one of the Top 250 Latino Real Estate Professionals in the Nation.

Residential Real Estate Agent Rankings Focus on Nation’s Latino-Centric Markets

The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), the nation’s leading trade association for Hispanics in the housing industry, released the 2013 list of the top-producing Latino residential real estate agents in the U.S. today. Christopher Rodriguez is the President, CEO of Maximum Mortgage & Real Estate, Inc. located in downtown Oceanside, Ca. He is an active director with the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and a United States Marine Combat Veteran who resides in the Henie Hills community of Oceanside, Ca.

The listing of the Top 250 Latino Real Estate Agents in America is compiled through broker affirmed self-nominations and NAHREP’s analysis of MLS records in key markets with a high concentration of Hispanics. A third-party firm performed the analysis on behalf of the association. More than 27,000 agents and about 200 self-nominated agents were evaluated as part of the rankings. Sales production data is representative of total transactions closed in 2012. Annual transactions for those acknowledged on this list range from 32 to 538 for the top agent. The top 250 producer list, which includes agents from many of the Latino stronghold states, is available in a downloadable digital file at www.nahrep.org.

“Latino agents now dominate several local markets, and we expect their role to become increasingly significant as Latinos begin to dominate the first-time homebuyer segment in the coming years,” said Juan Martinez, NAHREP president. “It is an honor to recognize these agents that are helping us advance our mission all over the United States” concluded Martinez.

Sales production data is representative of the 2012 calendar year. Ethnic background was confirmed through a combination of independent research and self-attestation.

The top 250 producers will be recognized during the program at the NAHREP 2013 National Convention & Latin Music Festival in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott LA Live on September 29-October 1.

You might have noticed that 30 Year Mortgage Rates have shot up about 1/2% in the last 30 days or so. That means that on a typical mortgage in San Diego County at around $360,000 the payment is now about $96.00 more per month.

That also means that the buyer’s purchasing power, assuming they are qualifying at the maximum amount, has gone down by $20,000! And, that is in the face of increasing property prices / values!

Now for the reason, it’s because Wall Street (where interest rates are set) are interpreting the economic numbers as meaning that the Federal Reserve may start raising interest rate soon… You may ask why does that matter before the Fed makes a move? Because Wall Street always trades on what it believes will happen in the future. As a result of this thinking rates have moved up in anticipation.

The Federal Reserve is meeting today and tomorrow after which they will make some sort of announcement that is suppose to give Wall Street some idea of future Fed moves. But the reality is that the Fed usually never gives a clear indicator as to what they are doing next.

Given this fact, the next couple of days may see rates either rise or fall based on what analysts think the Fed “means” in it’s remarks.

The Fed has already stated that they are prepared to raise rates when the unemployment declines to 6.5%, we are currently around 7.6% nationally, 9.0% in California and a much better 7.0% in San Diego County.

The initial Fed tightening will not come as a rise in rates “per se” but will come as a tapering in their bond buying program. They are currently purchasing around $85 BILLION in notes each month. This has the effect of creating more demand for Notes and Bonds (Mortgages). And, as demand for bond products increase, rates decrease (rates move inverse to the price).

What this means to you is to keep an eye on the Fed announcement to get a feel for which way rates may move. But more importantly, rates will be moving up sooner than later.

With rate increases in mind, it’s time to get your buyers moving. That means sellers too because they will soon be buyers. While the housing market will not likely cool too much in the next year or so, it’s important to point out that an increase in rates means less purchasing power for your buyers. The net effect is likely to be a rush to buy before rates increase too much. That will have another effect, increased demand which will fuel home price increases… Oh, what slippery slop… but one you should be fully versed in.

Christopher Rodriguez, President , CEO
Maximum Mortgage & Real Estate, Inc.

Average price per square foot for Oceanside CA was $226, an increase of 17.7% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Oceanside CA for Mar 13 to May 13 was $346,000 based on 757 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 17.3%, or $51,000, and the number of home sales increased 4.4%. There are currently 490 resale and new homes in Oceanside, including 450 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Oceanside CA was $510,597 for the week ending Jun 26, which represents a decrease of 1.5%, or $7,737, compared to the prior week. Popular neighborhoods in Oceanside include San Luis Rey and North Valley, with average listing prices of $193,160 and $360,496. All data was provided by Trulia.com and placed in motion by Christopher Rodriguez, President, CEO Maximum Mortgage & Real Estate,Inc.

I do think that we can expect a gradual economic recovery to move the housing market a few steps back toward normal in 2012…. Before getting into the predictions, I must be upfront with what’s being assumed. After 14 months of job gains, we all should expect the economy to continue its slow but determined recovery. I don’t do my own macroeconomic forecasts, but every single one of the fifty-ish economic forecasters surveyed by the Wall Street Journal expects the economy to grow throughout 2012, and that makes sense to me.

Here’s what to expect in 2012 and what it means for YOU:

Delinquencies will go down, but foreclosures will go up.

Fewer borrowers will fall behind on their payments next year, thanks to the strengthening economy and refinancing. The share of delinquent borrowers is already down more than a quarter from the peak a couple of years ago. But many borrowers who fell behind on their payments during the housing crisis are still in limbo: last year’s robo-signing controversy threw a wrench in the gears of the foreclosure process. That means that some delinquent loans haven’t yet gone through the foreclosure process. Once a settlement is reached with banks over robo-signing, we’ll see a new wave of foreclosures and foreclosure sales.

What it means for YOU:

Despite the decline in delinquencies, the wave of foreclosures will hurt. New foreclosures will depress prices for several reasons – foreclosed homes are often sold at a discount and used as comps for non-distressed homes; vacant homes bring down the value of their neighbors; and high foreclosures are the worst thing for consumer confidence in the housing market. That will hurt seller motivation even more than buyer motivation since lower prices will mean deals for some buyers. Sellers must have competitive pricing strategies to catch buyers attention in 2012 and understand the depressed prices to come if they live in a high-foreclosure area.

Rents will rise – which is a bitter-sweet

With fewer people buying homes and more people losing their homes to foreclosures, rental demand is increasing. High rents will hold back economic growth if businesses can’t pay workers enough to have a roof over their heads. Squeezed city-dwellers won’t get relief until late 2012: that’s when a wave of new multi-unit construction projects that started late this year will be completed and available for rent. To tackle growth-killing high living costs in the priciest cities head on, local governments need to get rid of height restrictions and arduous permitting processes, which hold back urban construction and push development to the suburbs.

What it means for YOU:

Rising rents and falling prices make buying a great deal – but only for prospective buyers who can afford the down payment and qualify for a mortgage. This also creates an amazing investment opportunity for positive cash flowing rentals. You will see plenty of inventory and low prices in 2012.

Mortgage rates will inch up – which will probably be a good thing.

A stronger economy will push Treasury bonds and mortgage rates up because inflation becomes more likely and investors demand higher rates to hold bonds. But lots of factors can push rates up or down. For the housing market, which direction rates go is less important than why. Gradual economic recovery is good news for the housing market even if it means higher mortgage rates – because higher mortgage rates should go hand-in-hand with greater housing demand.

What it means for YOU:

Higher mortgage rates mean higher monthly payments for buyers, but a stronger economy means that buyers will be better able to afford those rates. Higher rates probably won’t hold back buyers much: rates are only one of many factors that enter into the cost of buying a home, and for many buyers the down payment is a much bigger barrier to homeownership than the monthly payments. Also, buyers need to be reminded that homeownership has other costs on top of the monthly mortgage payment, like insurance and maintenance, which can add half again as much to the cost of owning a home. It’s important for buyers to understand and prepare for the overall costs and benefits of homeownership, not just the monthly mortgage payment.

Government will sit on its hands.

In election years, politicians don’t take risks: they’re more talk and less action, so don’t expect any bold housing policy reforms next year. What’s more, with the housing market now recovering, we’re not in enough of a crisis to force political opponents together. Instead, in 2012 we’ll see the effects of modest housing proposals from this year: easier refinancing under the expanded HARP program, and more government-owned homes coming to market for sale or rent. But the bitter debate in Washington over the budget deficit and debt will continue.

What it means for YOU:

No news may be good news: I don’t expect major changes in policy that will upend the housing market. But government is slowly scaling back support for housing, both to encourage the private sector to come back in and also to help deal with the federal budget deficit. Late this year we saw increased fees on Fannie and Freddie to help fund the payroll tax cut, lower conforming loan limits, and proposals to scale back mortgage interest deduction. It’s important for buyers to understand what these changes means for their mortgage costs, both before and after taxes.

Smart cities are hot.

In 2012, the local housing markets that will enjoy rising prices, new construction or both, are those that start the year with stronger job growth and fewer empty homes holding back the market. My top five cities to watch are Austin TX, Houston TX, San Jose CA, the Boston suburbs, and Rochester NY. Most of these cities have strong high-tech industries or high-skill workforces. During the housing boom, the go-go cities tended to be lower-skill, lower-education metros.
But in 2012, smart is hot.

What it means to YOU:

All markets are local. Even though the housing bubble and bust affected nearly all markets, each local market is recovering – or not – at its own pace. National indicators are helpful in understanding where the market is going overall, but buyers and sellers need to understand what’s happening in your local market – which could be very different from the national picture.

Thanks to Jed Kolko contribution to this article, to see full article from Jed please visit, http://pro.truliablog.com/tools-trends/trulia’s-real-estate-agent-crystal-ball-for-2012/
– Thank You

As the Christmas & Chanuka holidays approach (& other gift giving events), the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs. This year let’s make a difference. This year, why don’t we Americans give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans? There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes, there is! Join me this Christmas 2011 —For the Birth of a New Tradition It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone — yes, EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair +/or nail salon or barber? Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. How about a massage? I would love that! Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail businesses and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

What teenager wouldn’t like a few certificates to the local pizzeria? Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf…tennis…horseback riding…sailing?? Think lessons. Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds at the local golf course, or gifts from the gardening center. There are a bazillion Local owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember folks, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. Its about supporting your community and creating jobs! How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. How about a few hours from a local handyman? My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running. OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Go to the Arts & Crafts & Street Fairs & Farmers Markets. Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip. Donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let’s keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed. You see, Christmas gift giving is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is about being with your loved ones and giving and sharing memories. To others it’s a special time of year to give back and create warmth for those who do not have. In my house, Christmas is to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ, and we share stories and spend time and sing carols. No matter what your family traditions and reasons for Christmas are, let’s start a new one together that cares about the US, to encourage American small businesses to keep plugging away and working with their hands to support their families. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine. Let’s make THIS the new American Christmas tradition. Please forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. Have a Merry Christmas and make this tradition last all year long, God bless..