Santa Cruz, CA Real Estate Blog

Full Article: What Inspections Are Needed When Buying a House?

How Much Is Your Property Worth? If you’re planning to Sell, Purchase, Upgrade, Renovate, Refinance, or Invest, this information has been designed to help you with every stage of property ownership. We believe a strategic plan is the most important step in the process and can help you receive more money for your property. Unlock professional-grade real estate data We have included a variety of methods that can prove fruitful for a seller. By going through our information, not only will you understand what it means to market your home, but you will also be able to understand the importance of working with a professional real estate agent. With that said, let’s dive in to show you how you can get top dollar for your home through effective strategies. I typically get started with a Comparative Market Analysis to determine the market value of your property compared to similar properties that have recently sold. Let me know your location, total square footage, the number of bedrooms and ...

Whether you are selling in a stagnant or hot seller’s market, the lack of bids on your house can cause frustration and concern. If a property stays unsold for an extended period, the market may perceive it as "stale," reducing the likelihood of a future sale. Some people even end up withdrawing their property from the market altogether. What duration is too long to wait? Although a definitive answer is not easy, some emotional benchmarks warrant consideration. In a sluggish market, it is typical for properties to remain unsold for six months to a year. The best way to go about it is to examine previous sales of comparable houses for sale in your neighborhood and see if your property has strangely stayed for “too long." Conversely, if your home remains unsold after just a month in a competitive market, it may suggest underlying concerns that need attention. Full Article: https://www.burrowes.com/blog/what-to-do-if-a-house-wont-sell/

In a bustling real estate market, preparing your home for sale can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, making your property stand out in a crowded field requires a strategic approach. From enhancing curb appeal to staging your home effectively, every detail matters. Understanding the Competitive Market What Makes a Market Competitive? A competitive market is characterized by a high number of buyers relative to the number of homes available. This often results in multiple offers and higher selling prices. In such an environment, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Factors contributing to market competitiveness include low housing inventory, strong local economy, and high demand for homes. How Market Competition Impacts Home Selling In a competitive market, you’ll likely face stiff competition from other sellers. Homes that are well-prepared and attractively priced can command higher offers and sell faster. Conversely, homes that are n...

With inflation cooling, the Federal Reserve announced on September 18, 2024, that it would cut interest rates by a whopping half a percentage point. It is a big relief for many Americans, including college students, entrepreneurs, and prospective homebuyers, who have been waiting for the right time to take out a loan. What is the reason? Supply remains low. As interest rates decrease, an increasing number of purchasers will surely join the market. This may imply that there may be a substantial increase in rivalry for limited inventories shortly. A bidding war for a limited number of desirable houses for sale may once again become commonplace, resulting in increased prices. Taking action right now circumvents that very real possibility. The “Best Time to Buy” May Never Come Some potential purchasers hesitated not because they were unprepared to make an offer but because they were sitting on the fence for a while in anticipation of the Federal Reserve's actions and the market's...

UNDERSTANDING THE MORTGAGE PROCESS: A GUIDE FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS FAQS What is the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification? Pre-approval is a formal process that involves a detailed review of your financial situation, giving you a stronger position when making an offer. Pre-qualification is a preliminary estimate based on basic information and is less reliable. How can I improve my credit score before applying for a mortgage? Pay off debts, make payments on time, and avoid opening new credit accounts. Regularly check your credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies. What are closing costs, and how much should I expect to pay? Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing your mortgage, including appraisal, title insurance, and loan processing fees. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Is it better to choose a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage? It depends on your financial situation and preferences. Fixed-rate mortgages offer stabl...