Change is GREAT!

If you have been following me since I began, you know I do not change things much. Well, right in-line with my favorite season, fall, when leaves fall from branches to make way for fresh growth, I am joining a new, dynamic real estate firm! I have started working with COLDWELL BANKER MILLENNIUM in the downtown Glendora "village". I am excited to be back downtown with all the excitement that goes along with it....The events, the friends coming and going, the visitors checking out our great town! I am thrilled because not only is the office centrally located, and a great place for clients to feel the warmth of our city, there are also wonderful marketing opportunities that I think make the office above par. Next time you're in the area...stop by and say "hi". And when you are ready for a change and ready to make a move...CALL ME! I am still here providing the personalized service I am known for. Bring on the change! Happy Fall. - Stacy

Summer is here!

Southern California seems to have endless summers....The warm breezes, sunny skies and laid back attitude are all a part of life here. Yet, when school is out, and summer "officially" begins, something happens to home sellers & buyers...something almost like a frenzy. A seller may have thought of selling and played around with the idea, looked over prices, home staging...but once Memorial Day has come and gone, there is a new sense of urgency! Homes are listed, buyers are pounding the pavement from open house to open house and contracts are written in a quicker pace. We are now in the midst of this cycle. There are a few things to be careful about if you are buyer - you may be caught up in the harsh reality that the market has changed and your choices have dwindled while prices & competition have climbed. Here are a few things to look out for: 1. More sellers are asking you waive your appraisal contingency or pay the difference in cash. IF you choose that option and your offer is accepted, make sure you and your agent are continuing to track actual sales prices up to the point of no return on your contract. Do not blindly waive your appraisal. 2. More sellers are asking you waive an inspection. Unless you plan to completely remodel the home, I would not advise this of any buyer. Even if the house is "as-is" with "no repairs", an inspection, for your own peace of mind, is always a good idea. 3. If you like a home, do not wait to make an offer. Homes are gone days after they are listed. There are many eager buyers hoping to catch the low interest rates and the great, standard sales in today's market. The early bird truly gets the worm. 4. ALWAYS make sure your have pre-qualified with a reputable, direct lender. I do not usually recommend a large bank because the customer service always seems to be lacking. Being able to close on time is of the utmost importance always, but especially in today's market. 5. Be patient....Buying a home is a huge process, too often simplified by 30 minute television programs. Everyone that is working on your behalf wants the best possible outcome. Tune in for my sellers tips on the next post!

Home is ... Everchanging!

In real estate there is no down time. The market is constantly shifting and realtors and brokers must stay on top of the current market, locally and nationally. As the market changes, people's needs change. Maybe that young couple is ready to try for a home of their own - maybe that family is ready to move up, perhaps the empty nesters are ready to down size. Whatever the need, the market is ready to take on the latest shift. The current market is posting increases in sales, the likes of which we have not seen in several years. Watching neighborhoods specifically, some areas are back to 2002 prices. A huge difference is we are looking at interest rates which are nearly half the 6% range of 10 years ago. The market is perfect for buyers and sellers and I think it is only going to get better as late spring turns to summer. What are you looking for? A new place to call home? Or maybe a friend or relative is looking to make a change? I am here to help navigate the process for start to finish. A home for various needs can be a complex formula, ever changing as specific needs change. Rest assured, there is something out there for everyone! And if you are a seller, this is a wonderful time to sell! A home is one of the best investments you could make. A home is a source of shelter, comfort and peace while it also has long term investment gains. If you are ready to make a move - I am here to help. Call me today for a free consultation.

Why Make a Move?

It's March and almost St. Patrick's Day....a sign to me that spring is just around the corner. My great-grandfather was scots-Irish and, I am told, enjoyed St. Patrick's day when he came to America...but, I don't think it included green-beer. My moms birthday is the first day of spring, so every year, her card from him included some sort of good luck motif. This time of year is happy - hopeful - and can be full of luck! When it comes to real estate - timing can be everything. The timing of your move, whether you are selling, buying, leasing, can be crucial. Many think the investors are lucky right now....they get offers accepted faster than your average buyer. For non-investors, home prices are are still low and you are still getting a phenomenal interest rate. Although inventory is low, it usually picks up once the weather gets warmer, and I am hopeful it will. If you are looking to sell your home - times are wonderful! You can expect a well-priced home to receive multiple offers right now. If you are looking to buy, don't get discouraged by the lack of inventory or investor activity; the right agent can help you - and will work with you until you're in your new home - no matter how many offers have to be written! If you are flat out discouraged, you can look at leasing a property for a year. There are many wonderful homes just waiting for a new occupant. For real estate - times couldn't be "luckier". If you need any help with navigating your next transaction, give me a call. I am always here to help with honesty and integrity. You will receive personalized attention and you won't be another "client in the queue". Happy St. Patrick's Day! Stacy