I was recently honored at a beautiful celebration by the El Dorado County Association of Realtors at the Top Achievers Luncheon which recognizes the top 5% of realtors in El Dorado County. I have received this award for 15 consecutive years! What an honor! Best of all? This delightful luncheon helped raise money for scholarships for graduating High School Seniors.
Thanks to the sponsors for their generosity and to the committee members for all their efforts. I’m so proud to be part of such a great group.
Awards are wonderful validations of hard work.
But awards are not the reason that we work hard. We love our clients! And the beauty is that behind every award are new clients, new friends, and cherished memories that we build together as we work toward a common goal.
The Real Reason We Value Awards
Our clients buy and sell homes for a variety of reasons and it is our privilege to assist in the major life changes of our clients. Some transactions are joyous, celebrating expanding families or enticing job offers. But others require a more gentle touch as clients navigate more difficult life circumstances. We are honored to assist all of our clients as they negotiate these life events.
So, we joyfully and gratefully accept this award. We look forward to serving more clients who become lifelong friends.
Spring is here, and with it comes the task of spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to give your Folsom home a fresh start and dispose of clutter that has accumulated over the wet, rainy winter months. But tif you are like me, the thought of deep cleaning your entire home can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, here are some easy spring-cleaning tips that will make the process less daunting. I promise!
Make a plan
The first step is to make a plan. Create a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and prioritize them. You can start with the areas that need the most attention, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Slow and steady wins the race!
Declutter
Spring cleaning and decluttering go hand in hand. Go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use. It can be tricky, but try to be brutal! You can donate or sell items that are in good condition, and dispose of the rest. Decluttering will not only make your home look cleaner but will also appear more spacious.
Get the family involved
Spring cleaning is not just for one person to handle. Get the entire family involved in the process. Assign tasks to each family member and make it a fun activity. You can also offer incentives or rewards to motivate them. Create a family ‘spring cleaning playlist’ to keep the energy high!
Focus on the details
Don’t forget the details. Clean the baseboards, dust the ceiling fans, and wipe down the windowsills. These small tasks can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your home.
Don’t forget the outdoors
Curb appeal matters. (How about a little real estate humor?) Spring cleaning doesn’t just involve the indoors. Make the outdoors shine as well. Sweep the patio, clean the grill, and remove any debris from the yard.
Enjoy your clean home!
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a
daunting task. With these easy tips, you can give your home a fresh start and
enjoy the warmer weather with a clean and organized home.
Buying a Folsom home is often seen as a significant milestone in one’s life, but the process of purchasing a property can be shrouded in myths that can mislead prospective buyers. These myths can lead to misunderstandings and may even prevent individuals from realizing their dream of owning a home.
Myth 1: You need a large down payment to buy a home
Many people believe that they need to save up for a large down payment to buy a home. While a down payment can help lower your monthly mortgage payments and reduce the amount of interest you will pay over time, it is not always necessary to have a large sum of money upfront. There are many low down payment options available, including FHA and VA loans, that can help make homeownership more accessible.
Myth 2: Your credit score has to be perfect to qualify for a mortgage
While a good credit score is important in securing a mortgage, having a perfect credit score is not always necessary. Many lenders offer options for individuals with less than perfect credit scores. Additionally, other factors, such as income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio, are also considered in the mortgage approval process.
Myth 3: You should buy the most expensive home you can afford
Many people believe that they should stretch their budget and buy the most expensive home they can afford. However, this can lead to financial strain and may make it difficult to meet other financial goals, such as saving for retirement or paying off debt. It is essential to buy a home that fits within your budget and allows you to maintain financial stability.
Myth 4: The home inspection is optional
A home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process. It helps identify any potential issues with the property and saves buyers from costly repairs down the line. Skipping the inspection may be a costly mistake that may end up costing the buyer thousands of dollars.
Myth 5: You can’t negotiate the price of a home
Many buyers believe that the asking price of a home is non-negotiable. However, this is not always the case. In many cases, sellers may be willing to negotiate on the price, especially if the home has been on the market for an extended period. Working with a real estate agent can help buyers negotiate the best price for the property.
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Buying a Folsom home can be a complicated process, but understanding the common myths can make it easier. By debunking these myths, prospective buyers will informed decisions and find the home of their dreams without unnecessary stress or confusion.
We are dedicated to making your dreams come true. We’ve got experience and neighborhood expertise. Let’s get started on your real estate goals today! Check out my tips for Sellers today!
On St. Paddy’s Day the crowds roar, With marching parades and much more
The green is so bright, It’s such a grand sight,
To celebrate friends we adore!
It’s time for a little St. Patrick’s Day fun
with family and friends! Check out these local ideas for celebrating the Irish
and keep scrolling for a tasty GREEN smoothie that’s a perfect addition to your
St. Paddy’s breakfast menu.
How About a
Little Irish Music to Put Some Pep in Your Step?
This treat for
the whole family features multi-instrumentalists from the Kerry Traditional
Band led by the great Ryan McKasson on fiddle. Can you imagine the explosive
sound of bodhran, fiddles, uilleann pipes, guitar, flutes and dancing feet roaring
through the theatre? You will be transported to the Emerald Isle for an
unforgettable Irish night. Be ready to leave the theatre with a jig in your
step!
The Luck of
the Irish abounds at the Old Sacramento Waterfront in March! A parade,
live musical entertainment, outdoor beer gardens and a chance to find
Leprechauns hiding throughout the charming historic district. Wear your jolly
green apparel and prepare for fun.
I admit that a green smoothie isn’t very appetizing, but I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this healthy, breakfast drink. It’s perfect with a scone or some Irish Soda Bread.
There is no doubt that selling a Folsom home can be a challenging and time-consuming task, but luckily we have lots of tools to make the process easier and more effective. Although some people doubt the effectiveness of holding an open house, I can assure you that it can be a powerful tool to attract potential buyers and close the deal quickly.
An open house is an event that
allows interested buyers to tour a property that is up for sale without the
pressure of scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent. The more
relaxed atmosphere allows an opportunity for sellers to showcase their homes
and for buyers to get a feel for the property’s layout, features, and
neighborhood.
Here are some of the reasons why an
open house is important when selling a home:
An Open House attracts more buyers
An open house is an excellent way to
attract more buyers to your property. By scheduling a specific day and time,
you can create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that encourages people to
attend. We also promote the event through various channels, such as social
media, online listing services, and neighborhood flyers to reach a wider
audience and assure maximum visibility.
An Open House allows buyers to
visualize the property
Seeing a property in person can make
a huge difference versus viewing it online. An open house allows buyers to leisurely
walk through the property, explore each room, and get a sense of how the home
flows and how it might work for them. This tactile experience can help buyers
visualize themselves living in the home and can make them more emotionally
invested in the property. I regularly see buyers “fall in love” when they
experience sitting on the patio overlooking the view of distant hills!
An Open House provides immediate
feedback
An open house is an excellent way to
get immediate feedback from potential buyers. During the event, buyers may ask
questions, express their opinions, and provide valuable insights that can help
you understand what people are looking for in a home. This feedback can help
you make necessary changes or improvements to the property to make it more
appealing to buyers which can expedite a sale.
An Open House saves time and effort
Hosting an open house can save you
time and effort in the long run. Instead of scheduling multiple individual
showings, you can showcase your home to many potential buyers at once. This
approach can help you streamline the sales process and potentially close the
deal more quickly.
I thoroughly enjoy meeting potential buyers at an open house. If you’re considering selling your Folsom home, be sure to work with a professional real estate agent who can help you plan and execute a successful open house. Call me today to learn more!
Selling a home can be a stressful and daunting
process, especially if you want to sell it quickly and at a good price.
Fortunately, there are several affordable updates that you can make to your Folsom
home that can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. In this
blog, we’ll explore some of the best affordable updates to make when you are
selling a home.
Paint
One of the most affordable and effective updates you can make to
your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. A new coat of paint can make
your home look cleaner, brighter, and more modern. Stick to neutral colors,
such as beige or gray, which will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
Lighting
Good lighting can make your home look larger and more welcoming.
Consider updating your light fixtures to more modern, energy-efficient options.
You can also add lamps or additional light fixtures to rooms that may be dimly
lit.
Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers
will see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Simple updates
such as adding some plants or flowers to your yard, power washing your home’s
exterior, and painting your front door can make a big impact.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and can be a major selling
point. However, you don’t need to completely remodel your kitchen to make it
more appealing. Instead, focus on smaller updates such as painting or replacing
cabinet doors, updating hardware, and replacing outdated appliances.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are another area that buyers pay close attention to,
but updating your bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Try a few simple
things such as painting the vanity, updating the faucet, and adding new towels
and bathmats can make a big difference in the visual appeal of the room.
Flooring
Updating your flooring can be a more expensive update, but it
can also significantly increase the value of your home. If you can’t afford to
replace your flooring, consider having it professionally cleaned or adding an
area rug to cover any worn areas.
Declutter
Finally, one of the most affordable updates you can make is to
declutter your home. Remove any personal items, excess furniture, and clutter
from your home. This will make your home look more spacious and allow potential
buyers to envision themselves living in the space.
Making affordable updates to your Folsom home
can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Updates such as
painting, improving lighting, updating the kitchen and bathroom, and
decluttering can make a big difference. With a little effort and some smart
updates, you can help your home sell quickly and at a good price.
And don’t forget the importance of an
experienced realtor with neighborhood expertise. Call Margaret, your Folsom
Realtor, today! (916) 203-3765
When it’s time to
price your home for sale, you’ll need to channel your “Inner-Goldilocks” to
find a price that’s “just right” to attract buyers while reflecting
the current market and still putting the most money in your pocket.
The fairytale Goldilocks had the luxury of time to find exactly what she needed, but it doesn’t work that way when you are selling your home. When your home hits the market, it needs to appeal to the right buyers at the correct price point. Let’s consider a few basic guidelines:
Don’t price it too high
Your home’s
market debut is your first (and often best) chance to get the right buyers
through the door. It’s essential to get the pricing right. If your home appears
overpriced, you run the risk of buyers moving on from the listing to seek a
more appropriately priced property. Remember, buyers have access to a great
deal of information and a savvy buyer can sniff out overpriced homes more
quickly than ever. Of course, you can always do price reductions, but by then,
many homebuyers have moved on.
Don’t price it too low
Listing a home
below its market value is a popular strategy used by some sellers to generate excitement
regarding the property and possibly spark a bidding war. This strategy was a common and successful practice
during the pandemic when inventory was low, interest rates were low and buyer
demand was soaring.
But pricing your
house too low may result in leaving some serious money on the table if the
desired “frenzy” does not materialize. Additionally, bargain-basement prices potentially
turn some buyers away, as they may fear underlying problems with the house.
Do price it “just right” by considering the
comps
Comparable sales
or “comps” are recently sold homes that are like your property in terms
of size, location, and features. Your agent will compile a Comparative Market
Analysis (CMA) to help you determine a
realistic listing price.
Data allows
sellers to “pull back the curtain” on home sales to validate the pricing of
their homes. The old mantra remains: It doesn’t matter how much your neighbor
thinks your home is worth, what the plumber thinks your home is worth, or even
what Goldilocks thinks your home is worth.
I would be happy to help you determine the right price for your home. I offer experience, neighborhood expertise, and good, old-fashioned hard work to get your home sold for the best price possible. I want to be your Folsom Realtor. Check out my tips for sellers and give me a call today! (916) 203-3765
Relax. I’m not suggesting anything covert or shady. I’d like to share a few of the things that you should expect from a great realtor. Because what she is doing when “you’re not looking” makes all the difference in a successful real estate transaction.
Let’s check out a few examples
PREPARATION IS THE KEY
A great realtor doesn’t just “happen.” A great realtor
masters her craft by analyzing market trends and enrolling in continuing
education classes for additional certifications. While you’re not looking, she
is touring properties and visiting homes that might be suitable for her client.
She busily cultivates relationships with tradespeople including stagers,
contractors, and landscapers to create a little black book of trusted
professionals.
That’s what it takes for a realtor to be prepared for your
phone call!
AND THEN THE PLANNING BEGINS!
When you aren’t looking, your realtor is creating lists, checking them twice, and potentially creating more lists! If you are listing a property, planning begins before the listing appointment. She will have done her homework by preparing a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your home, and will be armed with a personal knowledge of real estate activity in your neighborhood, and will have a targeted marketing plan for your property.
And then, when your back is turned, a great realtor executes
the plan!
NOW FOR THE FOLLOW-UP
A great realtor loves phone calls, texts, and email because
follow-up is critical in both the buying and selling process. Feedback from agents
who have visited a listing is critical for helping Sellers make decisions
regarding sales price, changes in staging details or to have the knowledge
needed to pivot in the changing needs of the Folsom real estate market.
Experience matters.
LET’S NEGOTIATE
When you’re not looking,
your realtor contacts other agents regarding potential offers, then analyzes terms
and contingencies to guide you through the negotiation process. She will
negotiate the best deal for YOU, not the loan officers, not the buyers, and
certainly not for herself. Integrity matters.
AND FINALLY, SHE NEVER SLEEPS ON A TRANSACTION
Transactions don’t close
themselves! While you’re back is turned, your realtor works tirelessly with the
other agent, lenders, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators,
contractors, and more to ensure a smooth close.
Of course, issues can
come up during escrow. A great realtor can often foresee the issues and in many
cases, the client doesn’t even know that there was a glitch in the transaction.
And if the deal does get a little dicey, she is there to counsel you all the
way.
FINALLY
The Melville Group would be proud to work behind your back and assist you while you’re not looking. We are excited to roll up our sleeves and put our experience to work for YOU. Call now to learn more about the current market and to determine if it’s a good time for you to make a move.
We want to be your Folsom Realtors! Call Margaret today. (916) 203-3765
