Keeping It REAL - by Bettsy Tyler

  There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, that design is also a key factor. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home.  Changes like new security features or upgraded siding can add value to your home now and be highlighted when you market it for sale later. To get the most out of your updates, focus on these popular home design features that will wow buyers in 2022.  Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list or renovate a property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment. Eco-Friendly Fixtures Millennials account for the largest share of current homebuyers, and sustainable living tops their list of priorities.[1,2] Consider how you can leverage eco-friendly design features, like energy-efficient windows, low-flow water fixtures, and native land...

In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history. 1 And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s rates truly a bargain? While average mortgage rates have drifted between 4% and 5% in recent years, they haven’t always been so low. Freddie Mac began tracking 30-year mortgage rates in 1971. At that time, the national average was 7.31%. 2 As the rate of inflation started to rise in the mid-1970s, mortgage rates surged. It’s hard to imagine now, but the average U.S. mortgage rate reached a high of 18.63% in 1981. 3 Fortunately for home buyers, inflation normalized by October 1982, which sent mortgage rates on a downward trajectory that would bring them as low as 3.31% in 2012. 3 Since 2012, 30-year fixed rates have risen modestly, with the daily average climbing as high as 4.94% in 2018. 4 So what’s causing today’s rates to sink to unprecedented lows? Ec...

This is a graph of real estate activity from Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties. Though each county has their own particulars, in general the 100 data points since our first days of SIP shows good signs of recovery. New listings are close to  where they we would expect them to be this time of year if it were a "normal" year and sales are catching up as well. June numbers will be out next week which will be good to compare with last year. Because we are seeing the pending sales increasing this month particularly in the Santa Cruz region, I expect the summer will be more like the usual Spring selling season. Where Summer usually has a little slow down with many people taking vacations and being away on various activities, I am curious to see if this year we'll see something different. 

Covid-19 has definitely had it's effect on the real estate market.  Compare last years "new Listings" with "Sales" and it is clear that March 2020 was very different than March 2019. When the Shelter in Place order went in, listings came off the market and sales slowed. The real estate community quickly implemented new ways to show houses. Our own office bought special cameras to generate a virtual walk through a home to "show" the home to a prospective buyer without having to actually go to the home. Our equipment creates a picture of the floor plan and combines that with interior photos. Then there are drone videos, and lots of professional photos which make is much easier to see a property on line. The protocols now in place also help to ensure the safety of all clients involved. There are guidelines to follow if and when there is an in-person showing. Hand sanitizer, cleanings between showings, masks and non-touch methods to minimize risk. ...