Fullerton, CA

I haven't written a good blog in a while!   I will spare you the "I've been busy" speech but will tell you that I have had some serious writer's block! I decided to ask some of my readers what they would like to read.  Tonight's topic is courtesy of Jeff Vandermate who's suggestion it was to write about "The Keys to a Successful Listing"  Thanks for the suggestion Jeff!

First, we need to define a "successful listing" to me it means a listing that is successfully sold and CLOSED for the highest price in the shortest time.  I think this is what most seller's are typically looking for, agreed?

Location, Location, Location- I think this is pretty self explanatory so I will move on but it is definitely true what they say!

Condition - It is important to walk through with buyer's eyes.  I know you love your home and it feels good to you, but will it feel and look good to everyone?  I am sorry, but I have to ask the tough questions and a good agent will do that (trust me, my home is currently NOT in marketable condition).  It often takes a little tweaking.

Price - This is critical.  Right now, the the house in the best condition, in the best location, that is priced to sell most certainly will!

Marketing - It is important to bring it the people!  Somewhere around 85% or more of buyers are online looking.  Sure, most agents will get it on the Multiple Listing Service that will in turn post it on those real estate sites.  There is more to do!  Is it everywhere that it can possibly be on line?  What sort of print marketing is going on? Have the other local realtors been notified?  Marketing is KEY!  I have to save something for when we meet so I can't give it all to you here, sorry! But trust me, it's good!

Agent - This is huge.  Whether you choose me or someone else, check them out.  Once you find that person, trust them and listen to them!  They are there to help YOU.  Here are some good questions to ask a potential Realtor(r)

• What is their close ratio (How many of their listings have closed)?
• How many homes have they sold in the past year?
• Do they know how to qualify buyers?  (Do they call their loan officer, ask about their debt ratio, how strong they are, etc..)
• Are they a FULL TIME Realtor?
• Are they with a reputable company?
• Do they have a good reputation?
• Do you know how to check this out?

Basically, it is about finding the person that can get your listing CLOSED! There is so much to consider and this is just a brief list.

Listing a home in this market can be a little scary.  Often times a seller does not want to sell but is forced to due to a change in their loan, income or other financial tragedy.  This delicate situation requires an agent that understands your situation and how to work with the banks.

For more information on how to research an agent or marketing or questions about listing your home in this market. I would love to answer your questions. ___________________________________________________________________________

Cristal Drake – Fullerton Realtor(R) and Real Estate Resource for all your Fullerton area real estate needs. Prudential California Realty - 714-423-7525. DRE#: 01272061. All information in my blogs is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Copyright 2009 all rights reserved.

Search The MLS Here!

At last there is some light at the end of the tunnel for the mid-range homes for sale in Fullerton, as well as many other cities around the country. Fullerton real estate has been plagued with the lack of buyers above the entry level (bargain basement) category. But now the new tax credit for move up buyers may change all of that. The new law encourages the move up by allowing a tax credit of up to $6500 for purchases of move up homes as long as the price does not exceed $800,000. The income limits have also been raised to $125,000 for single and $225,000 for joint participants. Also in order to qualify the buyer must have lived in their current house for 5 of the last 8 years. If this incentive works, then the move up market can improve and it will also bring some more entry level homes into the market. Sounds like a Win-Win to me.

Check for comparable neighborhood prices at www.foustonline.com, Home searches will help you to see what the market is saying. Also review neighborhoods to get a comparison of the areas.

The City of Fullerton is a beautiful city in Orange County with lots of things to do and see. Today, I would like to introduce you to Laguna Lake, an absolutely gorgeous area within the highly desirable Sunny Hills neighborhood. Great for a little stroll or to bring the kids to see some local wild life or for fishing.

If you are interested in living in this beautiful area, there are currently a total of 9 Listings in the immediate proximity of Laguna Lake (about a 0.5 mile radius). Properties in this area range from $849,000 (4 bed, 2 bath, 2157sqft living space, 20,286sqft lot) to $3,790,000 (Custom Mansion, 6 bed, 6.5 bath, 7,070sqft living space, 23,010 lot, private pool & spa).

I hope you will enjoy the photos!

Parking and Picnic area.

I hope you enjoyed my little photo tour of Laguna Lake, Fullerton, CA.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Frymyer
DRE#01390458
www.SereneFoundations.com
http://serenefoundations.listingbook.com/

I know that this will seem apparent, but it is often overlooked. If trying to buy a home for sale in Fullerton, or any other city for that matter, the buyer has to watch the price very carefully. Now I am not talking about value, but rather about the negotiation and getting them to accept your offer, instead of one from someone else. It may seem crazy, but do not bid an even or round number. Just bump the bid up by $1,000. For example if you want to bid $375,000 for a home, stop and think - will someone else likely pick that same number? Set yourself apart from the crowd by bidding $376,000 instead. I have seen just one thousand dollars make a distinguishing difference to the Seller, in effect they just say "give it to the high bidder". Especially in these days where many people want the same nice home, a minor price difference can get your offer selected (and what is the downside - nothing). Give it a try - no harm, no foul.

We have seen this happen in Fullerton real estate two times in the last two months, it works.

Check for comparable neighborhood prices at www.foustonline.com, Home searches will help you to see what the market is saying. Also review neighborhoods to get a comparison of the areas.

If the current tax credit for first time buyers is extended and modified as is now proposed, then move up buyers will get a $6500 tax credit also. Fullerton real estate could get a real boost from this new twist - the current proposal not only allows for move up buyer to participate, but also increases the current limit on income. Being considered now is a plan to let income go up to $250,000 (for joint filling) or $125,000 (for single filing). Also required is the criteria that the buyer has to have lived in their current home for 5 of the last 8 years. Homes for sale in Fullerton would then get a boost, which has not been seen in the current wake of the existing tax credit. The current tax credit targeted the first time home buyer, and therfore excluded the mid range homes typically desired by the move up buyers. If this all passes then the real estate market will get a shot in the arm.

Check for comparable neighborhood prices at www.foustonline.com, Home searches will help you to see what the market is saying. Also review neighborhoods to get a comparison of the areas.