5 HOME IMPROVEMENTS TO BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF SELLING

To increase the odds of a quick, well-priced sale, make the effort to get your home viewer ready.  It is important when selling a home you do a few minor improvements that can be extremely persuasive when it comes to appealing to buyers.  Buyers need to envision the homes as his or hers, not yours.  You want to try to make your home look less like you and more like a new house.  Doing the simple and inexpensive things can speed the sale of your home and ensure a fair selling price.

1.  DO A THOROUGH CLEANING:  It should go without saying, dust bunnies and dirty windows are going to be turnoffs to most buyers.  They are looking to buy a “new” house, so any signs lack of upkeep will be viewed negative.  It’s worth hiring a service to clean carpeting and remove stains from upholstery.

2.  UPDATE THE BATH:  If your toilet seat is worn, stained or dated, put in a new one (the cost is about $30 and the job takes less than 10 minutes).  Replace the shower curtain and liner.  Re-caulk around the tub, when this job is done right it will score lots of points with prospective buyers.

3.  IMPROVE THE LIGHT:  Everyone loves light, so make sure draperies are open and replace missing or dim light bulbs.  If your compact fluorescent lights have dimmed over time, replace them.  When showing the home turn on all lights and open all windows, even in the middle of the day.

4.  CLEAR OUT CLUTTER:  Get serious about throwing out or donating stuff you don’t need.  Closets, and cabinets should have space and not be packed full.  Remove unnecessary and unused furniture from rooms to help make rooms look larger.  You are getting ready to move so start packing all of the knickknacks and personal items.

5.  PAINT OVER RISKY COLOR CHOICES:  If your bedroom is purple or your living room is orange, cover it up with a nice light beige.  Even if your house is already painted in neutral colors, consider repainting rooms where the walls and ceilings are stained or faded.  Nothing makes rooms look new like a fresh coat of paint and it’s one of the most affordable ways to update your space.

A FEW EXAMPLES OF DE-CLUTTERING, RE-ARRANGING, CLEANING, PAINTING, AND LIGHT…..

All of these examples are from homes using the same furniture they already had.

 

 

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Contact the Cross Group for help on getting your home ready to sell….

• Kari Cross
• The Cross Group
• Intero Real Estate Services
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com
• http://www.estatesbycross.com

HOME SELLER INFORMATION

If you are thinking about selling a home it is important to contact a real estate agent now!

 

Realtor’s have community knowledge and vendor information that can help you get ready for your move.  Realtor’s can give you information about the local market to help you decide if now is the best time for you to make a move.

 

 

A few home seller info graphs:

Kari Cross – Intero Real Estate Services

kcross@interodb.com

Buying – Selling – Relocating – Investing

COUNT ON CROSS…..for all your real estate needs!

I AM A REALTOR… BUT I DON’T SELL HOMES

I have been a real estate agent for over 15 years but I don’t sell homes!  

Over the years I have worked with may different buyers and sellers but it is not my job to sell a home….. I guide people through the process that will fulfill their personal dreams or needs, I assist people prepare for the largest financial decision of their lives, and I offer ongoing home information needed throughout the years they live in the home.

STARTING A FAMILY:  Working with a newly married couple looking for the perfect home in the right neighborhood close to a great school so they can start a family….It is not my job to sell this couple a home, my job is to help this couple with their dream to start a family.  Years after the sell when I visit the family in their home and watch how their kids have grown, I know that my job is much more important than the house, my job affects people’s lives and I couldn’t be more proud of that.

INVESTORS:  Working with many investors…..It is not my job to sell them a home, my job is to help them expand their business portfolio.  Finding a home for investors and assisting them with finding the perfect tenant.   In the recent years many of my clients have decided to invest their money in real estate and I provide them with the information needed to make the best financial decision they can.

RELOCATION:  I help people relocating to a new area get familiar with a neighborhood/city/state….. Moving to a new area is very stressful but I provide clients with the information needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.  When relocating to a new area every client will have different needs that are important to them and I help them through the process.  I am not selling them a home, I am helping them get familiar with a neighborhood, city or state.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP:  I assist people going through a financial hardship…. When someone is going through financial struggle or on the brink of loosing their home it is a very difficult time.  I give my clients the information needed so they know how to navigate through the process.  I advise them of all the different options and help them determine what the best decision is for their situation.  I walk them through the process and I don’t sell their home, I help them get through a stressful financial struggle.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS:   I help first time home buyers fulfill the American dream of owning a home… When making the biggest financial decision of your life it is important to have someone you trust guiding you along the way.  I provide my first time home buyers with all the information they need so they know that they are making the right decision for them.  I help my first time buyers figure out what they are looking for, what they want and what they need, and walk them through the entire process.

DIVORCE:  I help couples going through a divorce communicate about important home decisions…. When helping divorcing couples I help both husband and wife make important decisions about the home they are selling as well as assist them both in finding new homes.  The process can be very emotional, stressful and frustrating and the communication I provide helps both the husband and wife get through the process.

CHANGING HOME NEEDS:  Many of my clients need to downsize after the children move out or move into a larger home when they have more children,  When my clients need to sell their current home and buy a new home, they are concerned about moving from one home to the next.  I work with multiple parties to ensure that the client has a seamless move from the old home to the new home.

ESCROW:  The escrow process can be confusing.  I provide information and guidance for my clients to assist them through the escrow process.  I help my clients navigate the paperwork with confidence assurance throughout the entire escrow process.

LOAN INFORMATION AND REFINANCE:  I provide lender information for both clients looking for new homes or wanting to re-finance their current loan…. giving my clients information is a huge part of my job.  When you are purchasing a home or refinancing your loan years after, I help my clients obtain the loan information needed.

AREA REFERRALS:  I offer referrals to contractors and service providers in the area….  Throughout the time people live in their home they sometime need the advise of a local contractor or service provider.  I offer my clients references that may have been used by other past clients by keeping a referral database.

Just like in most jobs, as a Realtor I wear many hats.  Working with people and helping them through the real estate process is my passion!   I don’t sell homes…..I assist buyers and sellers with their real estate dreams, financial questions, lender information, etc.

I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs……..

• Kari Cross
• Intero Real Estate Services
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com

TOP 5 CALIFORNIA REAL ESTATE TRENDS TO EXPECT IN 2014

In the past few years the housing market has had many changes and RealtyTimes recently predicted some of the top housing trends for the California Real Estate market for 2014:

• Mortgage rates will go up
• Home values and prices will increase
• Fewer investors buying up properties and more buyers looking for primary residences
• Seller’s market will continue but cool off
• Home buyer’s need to start searching

INCREASING MORTGAGE RATES

Mortgage rates are predicted to rise, but not too far, up to 5% or 5.25% in 2014. The
Federal Reserve will begin tapering soon and the greater the reduction in Federal government purchases, especially of Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), the more rates are likely to grow.

It’s a great time to buy now because mortgage rates are still below the historical average so if you’re thinking of making a move, 2014 is the perfect time to jump into the market and start looking! With low rates and increasing home values, now’s the time to buy in order to make a smart investment for your future.

Speaking of mortgages, home buyers also need to be prepared for stricter qualifications on home loans. Come January 10^th lenders will be required to prove borrowers’ ability to repay a loan according to new “qualified mortgage” standards. An important statistic to keep in mind is the maximum debt-to-income ratio of 43% that borrowers will need to qualify.  The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has also announced plans to reduce the maximum loan limits for conventional conforming loans some time in 2014.

If you are considering buying a home in 2014, contact your local Realtor now to make sure you know how these changes will affect you. 

INCREASING HOME PRICES AND VALUES

Predictions show that home values and prices will rise in 2014.  Moderate predictions are clocking in at a 6-8% increase for California markets whereas others foresee a 10-15% increase.

According to Bill Plattos, Execute Vice President of First Team Real Estate, “2013 has begun the upward progression of the real estate market in California. In the next 3 to 4 years prices and sales will continue to rise bringing us back up to a peak.”

FEWER INVESTORS

Investors swoop in when home prices bottom out like they have in the past few years, seeking foreclosed homes and short sales to snatch up.  However, as our economy strengthens and home values come back up in 2014 there are fewer distressed homes on the market to interest investors.  The rise in home values in and upswing in the economy will also make it easier for current home owners who’ve built up equity to afford a down payment and enter the market in search of a bigger and better home to fit their needs.

Fewer investors also means less price competition and fewer bidding wars for buyers shopping for primary residences.  2014 will be the prime time to buy and sell for home owners who are ready to move on to a better neighborhood, larger home or location offering a more convenient commute.

CONTINUED HOME SELLERS MARKET

The seller’s market will continue in 2014 for California and on a national level.  However, it will be much cooler than the one we’ve witnessed over the past two years. “The market will get closer to normal – or as normal as the market can be,” says Plattos. “It will continue to cool and inventory will come up to a moderate level, not too low or too high.”

HOME BUYERS NEED TO START SEARCHING

With the seller’s market leveling in 2014, that means buyers need to be realistic about the home they can afford.   Home buyers, now is the time to start searching the best deals in real estate in order to get the most for your money.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO MAKE A MOVE IN 2014

CONTACT A REAL ESTATE AGENT TODAY

Provided by:

• Kari Cross
• Intero Real Estate
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t just pick a real estate agent that will list your home for sale.  I can give your home the maximum exposure needed to put your home in front of more buyers.  I have a proven 16 point marketing plan designed to get your home sold.

Contact me today to get more information on my 16 Point Marketing Plan and my Communication Guarantee!

• KARI CROSS
• Intero Real Estate Services
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com
• http://www.estatesbycross.com
• http://www.countoncross.com

KARI CROSS – REALTOR…… AND NOW AUTHOR

I recently published a book!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME…    

Before, During and After

Over the years I have worked with many different buyers and sellers and every situation is different.  Some clients like to know everything that is going to happen all up front so they know what is coming and others would rather just be lead along the way.  Depending on your personal situation, this is a perfect book for anyone thinking of buying or selling a home.  I wrote an easy to read, step by step account of what will happen during the buying or selling process.  Although every transaction has different specifications, the time line and process is always the same.

The book even has an additional section that helps both buyers and sellers prepare for the move including packing tips.  Although the book was written so someone with no real estate knowledge will easily understand everything, the back of the book has a complete glossary of real estate terms to help you navigate the real estate language.

Any of my clients that will buy or sell a home using me will receive a FREE copy of  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING OR SELLING A HOME…Before, During and After

The book can also be purchased on http://www.amazon.com (search Kari Cross).

Writing this book was a long process and I am so excited to say that I finally completed it.  I look forward to sharing this tool with my clients and hope it helps remove some of the stress that comes when embarking on one of the biggest transactions most people make.

For more information:

Kari Cross

Intero Real Estate Services

925*584*1640

kcross@interodb.com

BUYERS AND SELLERS WANTED! 2nd ANNUAL HOME TOUR

The home tour has something for everyone……..but, if you are thinking about buying or selling a home make sure you call to see how you can participate in this years Home Tour.

The Home Tour is a day of fun, FREE activities for the whole family

Saturday September 15

Home Tour 11:00-3:30

Concert at the maria 4:00-7:00

Lions Club Motorcycle Run and Car Show

Showcasing Discovery Bay homes and lifestyle the Home Tour starts at the Yacht Club with music, food, fun and prizes.  Tour all that Discovery Bay has to offer with homes on the water, on the golf course, as well as gated and non-gated homes.

SELLERS:  If you are thinking about selling your home, call now to get your home on the market and included in this years home tour…..you don’t want to miss out on the added exposure the home tour offers!

BUYERS:  Make an appointment today to get a sneak peek of this years homes for sale and help to find exactly what you are looking for!

• KARI CROSS
• INTERO REAL ESTATE SERVICES
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com
• Facebook:  Kari Cross
• Website:  www.countoncross.com
• Author:  What you need to know when buying or selling a home

WHY HOME SALES DROPPED IN MARCH…..

If you’ve been following housing market news this year, you may have been surprised by the latest home sales numbers to come out this week.  Sales of existing homes stalled at 4.92 million, dropping 0.6% in March from February.

With the recent market recovery of 2013 and the anticipation of a hot spring real estate market, many people are wondering what is going on?

THE PROBLEM IS LACK OF HOMES.   There’s plenty of demand from buyers, but just not enough to choose from on the market.   Most areas are experiencing multiple bids, and many buyers are waiting daily for new homes to come up for sale.

Some sellers are also being affected as well.   Sellers are seeing how difficult it is to find a home right now and they are not confident that if they sell their home they will be able to find a new one to move into.

Despite the decline in March sales from February, home sales were still 10.3% higher than the same month a year ago, marking the 21^st consecutive month of year-over-year increases. That’s good news, and a good indicator of how the market is trending in the big picture.

Demand is still strong, according to the National Association of Realtors, which reported buyer traffic is 25% above a year ago. But the drop in available homes has put upward pressure on prices. And some buyers are getting frustrated and priced out.

SELLERS:  If you didn’t have enough equity to sell your home last year, you may be able to sell now.  Talk to a Realtor today and take advantage of the recent up turn in pricing and the current surplus of buyers.  Find out if you have enough equity in your home to make the move you have been waiting for.

BUYERS:  It is very important to have a Realtor send you homes daily as they come on the market.  If you are looking to buy a home right now you will have to be fast and be prepared for the current conditions.  Your local Realtor will help you navigate today’s market.

• Kari Cross
• Intero Real Estate Services
• 925-584-1640
• kcross@interodb.com

SHOULD I LIST MY HOME FOR SALE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON?

Before you know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will come and go and we will be celebrating the 2012 New Year…. time has been flying by!  Many sellers struggle when it comes to deciding to list their homes during the holiday season.

Contrary to what most people think, Thanksgiving to New Years is a very busy time for Real Estate Agents.

Many sellers take their homes off the market during the holiday season so their family will not be bothered.  Having fewer homes on the market is always a plus when selling a home – less competition for your home.  As a seller you can use the holiday to your advantage.  Decorations can be used to make your house look and feel very appealing to buyers.

Some buyers are very motivated and need to purchase a home before the end of the year.  This can be a huge advantage for the sellers.  Buyers looking for a home during the holidays are usually serious buyers.  Your more likely to have people looking to purchase sooner rather than someone who is just out checking the market.  Many buyer may have holiday time off work and use that time to find a new home.

Contact me for more information on listing your home for sale.

TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

People have many questions about today’s real estate market…..and how it will affect their personal situation.  If you are behind on your house payments, looking for an investment property, looking for a rental, currently renting, or buying your first home, I have something for everyone.

SHORT SALE / FORECLOSURE:   If you are currently behind on your house payment, or thinking of letting your home go, make sure you call me asap to review your options.  I can help you short sale your home for FREE and I can explain your personal benefits.  It is important to know all your options in this crazy real estate market.

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS:  With all the short sales and bank owned homes on the market, it is the perfect time to purchase a great deal.  Interest rates are the lowest in history so it is important to take advantage of all the buyer benefits.

RENTERS:  If you are loosing your home and looking for a rental, I can help you at no charge.  If you have been renting, now may be the time to buy.  Call me to find out if you qualify to purchase a home.

INVESTORS:  Why invest your money in the stock market when you can purchase a home at a rock bottom price.  Many investors are buying great real estate deals.  You can purchase a home and use the rent to cover the monthly mortgage payment, find out if it can work for you.

BUYING / SELLERS:  The real estate market is always changing and it is important to have all your information before you decide to buy or sell.  Call or email so I can help you understand what is happening today.

If you know someone who could benefit from my real estate knowledge or needs a little guidance, please forward my information to them or let me know.

WHAT DOES THE TITLE COMPANY DO?

Real Estate Transactions are lengthy and very detailed.  It is important when buying or selling a home that everyone does their job correctly to make the sale go smoothly.  The Real Estate Agent, Mortgage Lender, home inspection, appraiser and the Title Company all have to work together and have a specific job to do.  The title company does many things during the purchase/sale of a home, most importantly they ensure a “clean title” and disburse all funds.

A title company’s primary duty is to conduct an abstract search on title from many agencies including County Recorder, Federal and State Agencies, and County and City Offices.  Before a buyer can take possession of a piece of property, you have to make sure that the seller has the legal right to sell the home.  A title insurance policy protects from various defects such as another person claiming an ownership interest, improperly recorded, fraud, forgery, liens, encroachments, easements, unpaid taxes, and other items that are specified in the actual policy.

The title company works as a third party so neither the buyer or seller can claim the money was mismanaged or used for the wrong purposes when closing on a home.  All funds are deposited into an escrow account and held until both the buyer and seller have complete all requirements in the purchase and sale of the home and agree to all terms, at which point the title company disburse all funds as agreed upon.

In short, the primary job of the title company is to protect both the buyer and seller equally as a neutral party in the transfer of Real Estate.

 

TOP 5 SIGNS OF A BAD REAL ESTATE AGENT

If your home is listed for sale and it just won’t sell, it may not be your real estate agent’s fault–after all, home sales were down more than 40% in August over the same time last year.  However, there are many ways to gauge if your agent is doing a good job.  

1. Lack of Communication:  If you haven’t heard from your real estate agent in a few weeks, it’s time to find a new one.  Even if no one has called for a showing of your home, or your agent hasn’t found any homes that meet your requirements as a buyer, he or she should be touching base with you regularly to keep you up to date on the work being done on your behalf.  After all, there’s no doubt you’re thinking about your home transaction almost daily–as an agent acting on your behalf, shouldn’t your real estate agent be keeping you in mind?

2. Lack of Leadership:  If your real estate agent agrees with you on every point, this is the sign of someone who’s eager to please–not someone who’s committed to doing the best possible job at representing your interests in the real estate market.  When it comes to pricing a home for sale, insist that your agent produce the research that was used to arrive at that price.  

3. Unable to Listen:  In contrast to #2, your real estate agent should also be able to listen to your wants and needs.  The agent and the buyer/seller don’t always have to agree, but in the end they are someone that is acting on your behalf.  Your real estate agent is the expert and should be able to take the lead, but they will have to be someone willing to allow you to have the final word in the end.

4. Too Much Pressure:  While you should seek out a real estate agent who is knowledgeable enough to have an educated opinion and confident enough to (respectfully) voice it, if you feel your agent pushing you in any particular direction, this should send up a red flag.  Especially when you’re buying a home, there is no real reason an agent should want you to buy any particular home over another.  If you get the feeling you are being steered toward certain homes, make sure you address this and in the end are purchasing what you want.

5. Lack of Follow-Up:  Whether you’re buying or selling, many real estate agents think their job ends on the home’s possession date.  This is the day upon which the transaction is considered complete, and the real estate agent is paid.  An agent who calls beyond this date to address any follow-up questions you might have and to ensure that you’re happy with his or her work is going above and beyond what is required and showing a commitment to customer service.  After all, at this point your agent’s commission check has already been signed, so this level of care is a great sign of an agent who is willing to do what it takes to make you happy and keep your business in the future.

The Bottom Line:  As in every line of work, there are great real estate agents and there are terrible ones. However, in a tough real estate market like this one, you might have to gauge their performance on more than just a speedy transaction.

MOVING TIPS YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET

Many people don’t know were to start when it is time to move several years of “stuff.”  Moving your belongings to your new home is not the only thing that needs to be taken care of.  Make sure you don’t forget about:

DON’T FORGET

• Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one. Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive. If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the water or gas company, request your refund.
• Notify any creditors of your move.  (credit cards, cell phones, auto loans/leases, insurance, newspaper and magazine subscriptions, auto registration, etc.  Make sure they are aware of your new address
• Contact health clubs or other organization you have joined.  Ask how to move, sell, or end our membership.
• Arrange to have school records transferred to your children’s new school district and/or daycare.
• File for a new drivers license with your new address
• Change banking information and order new checks.
• Order a copy of medical, dental and immunization records including prescription medications.  Ask your doctor to transfer your records and prescriptions to your new doctor and pharmacy in advance.   
• Don’t forget about your pets.  Arrange for your veterinarian to transfer the records to your new location.
• Make sure all library books have been returned and all dry cleaning or items out for repair have been picked up. Also retrieve any items out on loan.
• File a change of address with the Postal Service. 
• Notify friends and family of your new address and phone number

A few simple things you should remember when packing your belongings.  Having things in order will help relieve some of your stress and make the move go smoothly.

GET PREPAIRED

• Stock up on packing supplies. Moving boxes, bubble wrap, newspapers, packing foam, packing tape, plastic totes – anything and everything you can gather (ahead of time) will help when it’s time to begin packing.
• De-clutter and purge unwanted items.  Sale, donate or trash unwanted and unused items.  The more you eliminate the lighter your load will be saving you packing time, loading time and money.
• Pack unused and seasonal items early.  Packing items that you will not miss before the move will save you time later. 
• Mark all moving containers with the contents and location in your new home. You can lose a lot of time digging into boxes to figure out what they contain, and where they go in your new home.
• Wether you are using a moving company or moving yourself, keep all valuable together.  Try to separate valuable and/or irreplaceable items like important paperwork/documents, jewelry, family heirlooms, keepsakes, photos or any other important items.  Keep a special eye on this box and make sure it is put in a safe place at all times.

DAY OF THE MOVE

• Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
• Make arrangements for your pets on the day of the move.
• Have an essentials box.  Plan one box to be loaded last and unloaded first that will contain items that might be needed as soon as you get to your new home.
• Leave a note with your new address in the house so that future residents can forward any stray mail.

AT YOUR NEW HOME

• Make childcare arrangements for moving day.
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce to request their new resident packet.
• Register to vote
• Make arrangements for your pets on the day of the move.
• Have an essentials box.  Plan one box to be loaded last and unloaded first that will contain items that might be needed as soon as you get to your new home.
• Plan your meals ahead of time for moving day.



ONE LAST TIP: 

LONG AND SHORT OF SHORT SALES

People often ask; “What is a short sale really?” and “does it cost me any money?”  Please contact us for specific information to help you decide if a short sale is right for you, but the below information will give you a little background.

• The home is listed for sale:  Most banks will not discuss short sale options until you have an offer on the home. 
• Submit short sale package:  Once an offer is obtained, the realtor submits the “short sale package.” (Listing Agreement, Agency Disclosure, Authorization to Convey, Offer, 3 Month Bank Statements, 3 Month Pay Stubs, 2 Years Tax Return)
• The bank can take up to a few weeks to receive and process the information.
• The bank will assign a processor to the file.
• Additional paperwork may be requested by the processor.  When paperwork is submitted, upload process will vary
• The bank orders a BPO/Interior valuation of the home.  This value will help the bank determine the fair market value of the home and asses the loss they may incur.  This process can take several weeks.
• The bank will assign a negotiator to the file.  It can take several months before a negotiator is assigned to the file.
• Depending on the bank, it can take months for the negotiator to review the package for a decision.
• The bank will issue approval, counter offer, additional items are requested, or the short sale will be declined.
• If approval is provided, the escrow period begins.

Other important information:

• During the short sale process the bank will also be moving forward with the foreclosure process.  Most banks will hold the foreclosure proceedings once a short sale package is submitted, but this is not always the case.
• The seller can remain in the home until the short sale is completed and escrow is closed.
• A successful close of escrow can be completed with no cost to the buyer or seller.  All fees (including taxes, closing costs, Realtor fees, etc.)  should be processed and charged to the bank during the short sale approval process.

I have a high success rate of short sale closes and look forward to helping you decide what your next step is.