Tip #1 ñ Meticulous Staging

Stage your house beautifully. Everything should be spotless and clean. The house should be well lit and lightly scented. The overall impression should be that the house is in top notch condition.

Tip #2 ñ Collect Contact Information

To increase the likelihood that a buyer will make an offer on your house, itís important to collect their contact information so you can follow up. Ideally, you want to get their name, phone number and email addresses.

The best way to do this is to have a sign in sheet.

Tip #3 ñ Provide Snacks

Remember that the home buying process is an emotional one. By providing snacks, cookies, water and/or fruit juices, youíre associating a feeling of pleasantness to visiting your house.

Tip #4 ñ Have an Amazing First Impression

As an experienced real estate agent, I can tell you that buyers make their decision on a home within seconds. Itís vitally important that you keep your front yard and the entrance to your home in tip top condition. A plastic bag thatís lying around can literally cost you thousands of dollars.

Tip #5 ñ Have the Price in Mind

Make sure your agent knows what your price range is. This gives your agent to talk about price to qualified buyers on the spot if theyíre interested.

These tips will take you a long way towards having an amazing open house. As always, make sure that youíre working with a real estate agent that really knows what theyíre doing when youíre selling your house.

There is a lot of free information available to you about selling your home in [Profile.market2]. For complete information about the Carlsbad California real estate market including selling tips and current market values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Carlsbad California real estate at www.marcvonmusser.com. Please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate or mortgage related questions and I will be more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 800-990-2473 or email me at Marc@MarcVonMusser.com scott@scottchamberlin.com.

Definitions vary, but marketing is roughly the development and execution of a strategy to sell something — which includes research, advertising, promotion and sales.

Good marketing starts with good research. Finding out current prices for comparable property’s in Carlsbad California is essential, but there’s also a time factor involved. Real estate, compared to most other investments, is a longer term investment. Stocks can be sold in minutes; a property takes weeks at best to rollover.

That means it’s important to know local Carlsbad California housing  market prices before the property is purchased, while it’s being prepared and advertised, and all during negotiations, some of which go on for weeks or longer.

You need this data in order to judge whether the current price is one which allows you to turn the property over at a profit, but also in order to know whether and where to compromise during negotiations. The stated price of a property, after all, is only one factor in the total. Are you going to pay for those needed repairs or does the buyer? And who will pay which, and what percentage of, closing costs? These numbers can and will vary depending on Carlsbad California market conditions, which can only be known by good research.

Advertising, too, is a key part of a marketing strategy. You need to attract as large a pool of real potential buyers in order to create a competitive bidding scenario. Those ‘just looking’ don’t count as real potential buyers, especially if they don’t have solid financing. That’s another research item for the list.

Advertising, like most business today, has expanded far beyond traditional boundaries. Word of mouth is still helpful, as are Carlsbad newspapers and specialized trade publications, but the added 800-pound gorilla today is the Internet. With Local Search and new image library features, most search engines play a far larger role than in years past. And that role is growing.

Internet sites devoted to real estate investment have grown dramatically in the past few years, and show no signs of leveling off anytime soon. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sites, realtor specific sites showing properties, mortgage financing and a dozen other categories have blossomed on the web.

A good marketing strategy for Carlsbad California will take advantage of that and devote considerable resources to advertising on sites with good traffic (the amount of which can be discovered by — you guessed it — research). Take advantage of all the technology available and add clear interior and exterior photos, 360 degree views, and video of the property and the surrounding area.

Two of the key benefits to having a good marketing strategy is the ability to move inventory and control costs while doing it.

In order to be a successful investor you have to be able to find a property that can be turned over in accord with your time table and at a profit. Even long term investors need to find properties that are undervalued, then promote and sell them for more than their accumulated costs. A good marketing strategy is essential for achieving those goals.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the Carlsbad California real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Carlsbad California real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 800-990-2473 or email me at Marc@MarcVonMusser.com scott@scottchamberlin.com.

Property Condition

After viewing the home, you should have an idea of how it compares to other homes in the Carlsbad Californiaarea and the neighborhood. You don’t have to do much analysis, just determine if it’s above, average, or below the other homes in the market. Find out the recent selling price of homes in the neighborhood. If you rated the property you are considering as average, your offer price should be along the same lines as those that have already been sold. As you consider the condition of the home, look at things like bedroom doors and door knobs, fixtures, light switches, and cabinets. These will give a good indication as to the condition of the home and the offer price.

Market Conditions

In a seller’s market, there are often multiple offers on a property, many of which will be above the asking price. In a buyer’s market, homes remain on the market for a longer period of time. You have more flexibility to negotiate in a buyer’s market. Still, there is the steady market when there are no rules. Depending on the condition of the market, you may increase or decrease your offer price. This is why you need to contact me no one on the web has as an extensive and comprehensive understanding of the Carlsbad California real estate market.

Home Improvements

Minor cosmetic changes like new paint and carpet don’t have a major factor on the home price. On the other hand, if the owner has made significant changes such as the addition of a new bedroom or bathroom, finishing the basement, or screening in a patio, the offer price should increase beyond the average home. You don’t have to increase the offer price dollar for dollar on the cost of these additions. Rarely does $10,000 in home improvements add $10,000 to the value or offer price of a home.

Seller Motivation

A motivated seller won’t allow you to knock down your offer price by a very large amount of money. That doesn’t mean, though, that you won’t be able to offer a few thousand dollars below the asking price. Sellers that are relocating are often motivated to sell their homes for less, especially if their new mortgage will be starting soon. Be careful of ads that use phrases that indicate they are motivated to sell, often these are tactics used to generate leads.

Consider each of these four factors as you determine the price you want to offer for the home. Get help on this part of the process, as you consider each of these factors to come up with an offer price, keep in mind any mortgage pre-approval amount that you have been given by the lender.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the ]Profile.market] real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything www.marcvonmusser.com” mce_href=”www.marcvonmusser.com“>Carlsbad California real estate.

Property Condition

After viewing the home, you should have an idea of how it compares to other homes in the Carlsbad Californiaarea and the neighborhood. You don’t have to do much analysis, just determine if it’s above, average, or below the other homes in the market. Find out the recent selling price of homes in the neighborhood. If you rated the property you are considering as average, your offer price should be along the same lines as those that have already been sold. As you consider the condition of the home, look at things like bedroom doors and door knobs, fixtures, light switches, and cabinets. These will give a good indication as to the condition of the home and the offer price.

Market Conditions

In a seller’s market, there are often multiple offers on a property, many of which will be above the asking price. In a buyer’s market, homes remain on the market for a longer period of time. You have more flexibility to negotiate in a buyer’s market. Still, there is the steady market when there are no rules. Depending on the condition of the market, you may increase or decrease your offer price. This is why you need to contact me no one on the web has as an extensive and comprehensive understanding of the Carlsbad California real estate market.

Home Improvements

Minor cosmetic changes like new paint and carpet don’t have a major factor on the home price. On the other hand, if the owner has made significant changes such as the addition of a new bedroom or bathroom, finishing the basement, or screening in a patio, the offer price should increase beyond the average home. You don’t have to increase the offer price dollar for dollar on the cost of these additions. Rarely does $10,000 in home improvements add $10,000 to the value or offer price of a home.

Seller Motivation

A motivated seller won’t allow you to knock down your offer price by a very large amount of money. That doesn’t mean, though, that you won’t be able to offer a few thousand dollars below the asking price. Sellers that are relocating are often motivated to sell their homes for less, especially if their new mortgage will be starting soon. Be careful of ads that use phrases that indicate they are motivated to sell, often these are tactics used to generate leads.

Consider each of these four factors as you determine the price you want to offer for the home. Get help on this part of the process, as you consider each of these factors to come up with an offer price, keep in mind any mortgage pre-approval amount that you have been given by the lender.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the ]Profile.market] real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything www.marcvonmusser.com” mce_href=”www.marcvonmusser.com“>Carlsbad California real estate.

Property Condition

After viewing the home, you should have an idea of how it compares to other homes in the Carlsbad Californiaarea and the neighborhood. You don’t have to do much analysis, just determine if it’s above, average, or below the other homes in the market. Find out the recent selling price of homes in the neighborhood. If you rated the property you are considering as average, your offer price should be along the same lines as those that have already been sold. As you consider the condition of the home, look at things like bedroom doors and door knobs, fixtures, light switches, and cabinets. These will give a good indication as to the condition of the home and the offer price.

Market Conditions

In a seller’s market, there are often multiple offers on a property, many of which will be above the asking price. In a buyer’s market, homes remain on the market for a longer period of time. You have more flexibility to negotiate in a buyer’s market. Still, there is the steady market when there are no rules. Depending on the condition of the market, you may increase or decrease your offer price. This is why you need to contact me no one on the web has as an extensive and comprehensive understanding of the Carlsbad California real estate market.

Home Improvements

Minor cosmetic changes like new paint and carpet don’t have a major factor on the home price. On the other hand, if the owner has made significant changes such as the addition of a new bedroom or bathroom, finishing the basement, or screening in a patio, the offer price should increase beyond the average home. You don’t have to increase the offer price dollar for dollar on the cost of these additions. Rarely does $10,000 in home improvements add $10,000 to the value or offer price of a home.

Seller Motivation

A motivated seller won’t allow you to knock down your offer price by a very large amount of money. That doesn’t mean, though, that you won’t be able to offer a few thousand dollars below the asking price. Sellers that are relocating are often motivated to sell their homes for less, especially if their new mortgage will be starting soon. Be careful of ads that use phrases that indicate they are motivated to sell, often these are tactics used to generate leads.

Consider each of these four factors as you determine the price you want to offer for the home. Get help on this part of the process, as you consider each of these factors to come up with an offer price, keep in mind any mortgage pre-approval amount that you have been given by the lender.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the ]Profile.market] real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything www.marcvonmusser.com” mce_href=”www.marcvonmusser.com“>Carlsbad California real estate.

Many home buyers shopping in Carlsbad California are so eager to get to the home search that they rush through the real estate agent selection process.  Keep in mind that the real estate agent you choose is the person that you will be working with throughout the real estate transaction.  While it is possible to “fire” your real estate agent and start over with a new one, you will lose a lot or ground this way.

You have the right to interview as many real estate agents as you would like to make a decision on the professional that you would like to work with.  There are many real estate agents on the market to assist you.  Each of these agents has a different level of experience and training.  They also have different personalities and styles of working with you.  Each of these has a factor on the experience you will have.

Don’t choose an agent just because he or she was conducting an open house that you attended.  A real estate agent you meet in this way should be interviewed and referenced just like an agent that you cold-called or received as a reference from a family member or friend.  Avoid making the assumption that just because a real estate agent is working an open house that the agent has experience.  This is not always the case.

The best way to find a real estate agent is by asking for references from people you know who have recently purchased a home.  This way you can find out a lot of valuable information about the agent before ever contacting him or her.  Ask questions about the real estate agent.  How did he or she handle the process?  What things did the buyer not like about the agent?  Did the agent listen to the buyer’s needs?  These are just a few of the questions you need to have answered about a prospective real estate agent.

Once you have the contact information for a few real estate agents, you should begin interviewing them to inquire about their services.  Ask about their specialties.  Let the agent know what you are looking for in a home and ask how the agent can help you.  Does the agent have experience in working with buyers that are looking for similar houses to you?  What is the real estate agent’s success rate?  Finding out this pertinent information about a real estate agent helps ensure you make the best decision.

Don’t just settle with the first real estate agent that comes by make sure you check them out thoroughly. Keeping this in mind when looking for a real estate agent in Carlsbad California feel confident to check out multiple agents. However, I promise none will have the qualifications and the dedication to get you in the home that you truly love as I The Von Musser Real Estate Group, Inc. would have.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the Carlsbad California real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Carlsbad California real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 800-990-2473 or email me at Marc@MarcVonMusser.com scott@scottchamberlin.com.

Households that are headed by someone who’s between the ages of 45 and 54 own the largest share of vacation homes (households that are headed by someone between the ages of 55 and 64 years of age own the second-largest share). This suggests that the baby-boom generation is just entering the prime years for ownership.

Nationwide, 22.8 million households that don’t own recreational property say that there’s some likelihood they’ll purchase such property in the next 10 years, and 13.5 million of those households indicate that there’s “a 50-50 chance or better” that they’ll buy recreational property in the 1990s.

The recession in 1973 and 1974 was a harbinger of the upsurge in the primary house market during the late 1970s. That was the result of baby boomers going from one life stage to another, buying their first home. The recession of 1982 and 1983 preceded the surge in demand for upscale housing in the late 1980s, as baby boomers traded up.

When the boom hits, market within 100 miles or so of a major urban area such as Carlsbad California are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries. Middle-aged baby boomers with children aren’t interested in long trips anymore, even when the trips are taken in Volvo station wagons and BMWs.

Many of the baby boomers are buying second homes in anticipation of retirement. Some of them are financing their second homes by borrowing against or cashing in securities and taking out five-year balloon mortgages. Such buyers plan to sell their principal homes someday and use the proceeds to pay off the mortgages on their country homes–thus retiring without debt. This type of money management is likely to have a large appeal in these uncertain economic times.

Now is definitely the time to buy. So, you can still beat the crowds into the second-home market–before the baby boomers’ boom hits.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the Carlsbad California real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Carlsbad California real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your mortgage questions and I will me more than glad to answer you queries. Call me on my cell at 800-990-2473 or email me at Marc@MarcVonMusser.com scott@scottchamberlin.com.

Buying a home in today’s Carlsbad California marketplace is a bit intimidating, and your new home purchase is likely to be one of the most important decisions you’ve ever had to make. Usually it’s one of the single most valuable assets you’ll own.

Where to Start
Before you invest hundreds of hours searching in Carlsbad California, to avoid any heartbreak, if you find yourself unable to qualify for your dream home, sit down with a lender. Your lender can perform a simple verbal pre-qualification in about twenty minutes and a full-fledged pre-approval in about 5 days.

Pre-qualification not only allows you to focus your search in the correct price range, saving a lot of wasted time and frustration, but it can also give you an edge when competing with other offers on a home that you find. If a seller is deciding between two offers- yours which has been qualified and another unqualified offer- they are much more likely to pick yours.

Pre-qualification will also give you leverage when negotiating with a seller in a non-competitive atmosphere; it essentially makes you a cash buyer.

The amount of home in Carlsbad California that you qualify for will be determined by three key factors: Your down payment, your ability to qualify for a mortgage, and closing costs.

The Down Payment
Whereas a current homeowner in Carlsbad California can rely on equity from their home sale, a first time home-buyer is limited to the money they can save.

The days of having to put 20 percent down on a home in Carlsbad California are in the past, although putting a large amount of money down definitely makes it easier to qualify for a mortgage and to get the lowest interest rates available. With the various programs that are available today, you can put as little as 3 percent down on a home.

Qualifying for the Mortgage in Carlsbad California
There are two basic guidelines that lenders use to determine what size mortgage you are eligible for:

Your monthly mortgage payment of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) should not exceed 25 to 28% of your monthly gross income.

Your monthly housing cost (PITI) plus other long-term debt should not exceed 33 to 38% of your monthly gross income.

Specifically, most lenders will consider 4 key factors to determine your ability to qualify for a home loan:

Income – This first element can include not only your gross monthly income and secondary income (commissions, bonuses) but also your history of employment, stability of income, education, even potential for future earnings.

Credit History-This encompasses your history of debt repayment, total outstanding debt, highest balance, and your highest monthly debt balance.

Assets–Your assets consist of cash on hand, savings and checking accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds or any other type of liquid asset.

Property–The home you are planning to purchase will be appraised to determine the market value. The estimated value must be sufficient to secure the loan. Lenders will loan you no more than a certain percentage (usually 95%) of this value.

Closing Costs Keep in mind that in addition to your down payment, you will also be responsible for paying fees for the loan and closing costs. These will be required at the time of closing unless you qualify and choose to have these included in your financing.

Closing Costs generally will range between 2 percent and 6 percent of mortgage loan, depending on the loan and lender. You will be provided with a “Good Faith Estimate” of closing costs so you can know what to expect.

“Points,” which are one time charges equal to one percent of your loan amount, may be required by your lender at closing.
Your closing agent will charge a fee at the close of the sale. We sincerely hope this information will help you gain a better understanding of the mortgage process.

There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Carlsbad California real estate. For complete information about the Carlsbad California real estate market including current homes for sale, property values and more please visit the most complete website online dedicated to everything Carlsbad California real estate. So please feel free to contact me with any of your real estate questions and I will me more than glad to answer your questions. Call me on my cell at 800-990-2473 or email me at Marc@MarcVonMusser.com scott@scottchamberlin.com.