Pleasant Hill Home for Sale!

I am holding a beautiful Pleasant Hill home open on Sunday at the following address:  712 Duke Circle.

The interesting thing about this home is the fact that whenever I hold a house open, I like to get a lot of information/data on the area so that I can offer the best service to any interested parties that will show up.  As I am  preparing today I have found some very interesting statistics in the area which I will like to share with you as follows:

There are only 31 homes for sale in Pleasant Hill, ranging in price from  $189,900 all the way up to $950,000.  Out of these, 2 of them are short sales (SS), 4 of them are foreclosures (REO) and the others are regular or equity sales.  Needless to say, the four lowest priced homes are three REOs and a SS , the other SS and REO are towards the middle of the range.

What is important here is the low amount of inventory available to potential buyers looking for a home to purchase and move into before school starts next August/September.

Why is this important?, what does it mean? More importantly, what does it mean TO YOU?

Well, in short, it means that if you have been considering to sell your home for the last few years but were waiting for the right time, the right time has arrived. Here are some reasons to consider listing your property right now and not delaying any longer:

1. The interest rates are at the lowest or close to the lowest levels in history, no, I’m not talking about those teaser rates for ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages), which are good for five years and then shoot up to whatever is current at the time, basically it means that the bank is willing to take a small risk now in exchange for a guarantee to always make money on the loan regardless of what is going on in the world of finances.
2. There is an available pool of qualified buyers taking advantage of these rates at the present time and they are getting frustrated with this low inventory of homes available.
3. Considering the timetable of how long it takes to complete a real estate transaction in the real world (10 – minimum to 12 weeks), from the moment that a listing agreement is signed until the closing actually happens, these buyers are looking at a timetable which perhaps gives them a little bit of time, BUT what about YOU? where are you going to go? you need time to find your new place!  This is all based on you listing the home at the proper price.

We are seeing multiple offers extended on homes that are priced properly, however, it is important to realize that there are some issues that need to be addressed before you get your home listed:

1. What is the condition of the home?
2. Are there any major issues or repairs that need to be resolved? – A Pest and home inspection are highly recommended.
3. You know that you are going to be moving, well, start packing, get rid of any unnecessary items - stuff to Goodwill or to be donated, some garbage, but most important, valuable items that you will want to make sure don’t get lost; pack them and label them clearly. (I have great packaging tape – in color); mementos and souvenirs tend to clutter a home.
4. Eliminate as much furniture as possible, it makes the rooms look bigger and the potential buyers psychologically see themselves with plenty of room.
5. HIRE A STAGER, at least get a minimal consultation, their fees are worth every penny due to the fact that your home will sell for more.  I usually associate the cost of the stager as an investment and much less than the first price reduction.
6. Get your landscape properly done; the curb appeal can make some buyers keep on driving and miss the beauty of your home inside.
7. Marketing in today’s world is done mostly online (80% or more buyers begin their search on the internet); Get with a Realtor® that KNOWS how to use Video, blogging (this is one) and Facebook effectively.
8. Finally, yes, finally again – price the house right from the start – the moment that your home is most visible is when it first hits the market – it shows on all Realtor’s® computer systems as a NEW home for sale, if you price it too high, you will miss a critical window of opportunity and you will get caught chasing the  market.  DO NOT fall for Realtors® who will list your home for any (over) price just so that hey can get your listing; thay will come back later and tell you that you need to do a price reduction, but by then, it is too late (for you) and they are happy because they got the listing.

That is it for now folks, if you’d like more information on the other communities surrounding Pleasant Hill where I will be at my open house  (Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez and Lafayette) click on the “contact me” button on the left, call me or send me an email – however, if you can, stop by and see what I’m all about, you’ll be glad you did. HAPPY SUNDAY!