Carole Jacoby in Fresno Real Estate ~ Residential and Relocation Specialist

Selling homes and making new friends for life in the process, for 37 years, has been a challenge in the ever-changing market and economy. Listening to my buyers' needs has taught me what works and what doesn't. I believe when you love real estate, it shows; when coupled with a love for people as well, it really shows!

Having a good listing inventory brings calls from buyers. With 77% of all buyers looking for their homes online, having presence on the internet is critical. It takes time and a level of expertise to stay on the first page of Google. I hire others to add fresh content and keep it up for me. Not only does my website display all my listings, but all listings in our Multiple Listing Service. I make sure my website provides excellent content about our community, schools, government, and other information buyers and sellers find helpful.

Always striving to offer the most professional service, I place my client's interests first. I answer their calls as they come in, whether early in the morning or late at night. Consumers are impressed to find me answering calls late in the evening; they are shocked to hear a real-live person. Being available wins the appreciation and confidence of the consumer and helps me build a strong referral base as those clients refer me to their friends, family, and co-workers.

Spending time with my prospective buyers and sellers, explaining the market, neighborhoods, financing, schools, and any other matter of interest tells them their best interest comes first. It is necessary to be fully informed in able to answer our client's questions. I pick up and deliver paperwork and go to my client's homes rather than asking them to come to my office. I arrange for inspections and reports, the appraiser, and any other issues which must be addressed. The referral to other service providers such as lenders, escrow companies, inspectors, insurance agents and handy people is appreciated by my clients. I only refer those people or companies that provide excellent and professional service.

I encourage my sellers to pay close attention to all of the comparable sales in their neighborhood or zip code to avoid overpricing their homes. Sellers must also be informed about keeping their homes in good condition, upgrading, designing great curb appeal, decluttering, and staging for showing, which can often raise the value of their home. Looking at my sellers' homes through the eyes of a buyer helps me to help my sellers because they may not know how to do what needs to be done. They need the help of their Realtor and I am willing to share my knowledge and expertise. Many buyers will not buy a home which requires work of any kind; our job is to help the seller place their home in the best possible condition that will cause a buyer to be interested.

In the declining market we have been in for the past two years, I stay abreast of the economy and my community, and try to answer my client's questions with intelligent and truthful answers. It is important to be truthful in every area of real estate. It is no longer about finding the Dream Home and making an offer; there are many other considerations to be considered.

Now is actually one of the best times to purchase a home. With the new law being passed, our first time home-buyer receives a $7,500 credit for buying. Savvy buyers on the trail for our excellent buys are jumping on them. Though this tax credit is given to all first time homebuyers and is reduced from their taxes, it has to be repaid in 15 years at $500 per year, interest free. Any first-time buyer purchasing after April 18, 2008 and before July 1, 2009, can take advantage of this credit. It is important for the buyer to speak with an accountant or CPA.


A strong, positive attitude, happy disposition and thoughtful consideration to our buyers and sellers are the keys to success in any real estate market. Consumers want a realtor they can trust and respect. My best tool for finding and keeping clients is to be honest and treat them with respect and dignity, exactly as I would choose to be treated.

Have You Been Waiting For The Bottom of The Market? Your wait may soon be over.

Data Quick Information Systems (which monitors real estate activity nationwide) reports sales are up not only in California but throughout the country. The figures that are being published indicate that the bottom of the market seems to have been reached in many of the nation's areas.

California, including the Central Valley, is still seeing a decline in homes prices but the rate of decrease per month does seem to be leveling off. Sellers know that they are facing stiff competition in pricing, due to the high rate of foreclosures on the market and the number of buyers in the market place. Sellers know that buyers are going to do what buyers have always done, shop the market for the best value. Existing homes sales are in the sellers favor at this time. Established landscaping and interior décor can save buyers thousand of dollars making pre-existing homes more desirable than new homes. Resale homes sales increased by 40% in April.

A few weeks ago the Fresno Bee reported that sales were up 2% in April from last year. That trend continued through May. Even the hard hit counties of Riverside and San Bernardino have seen sales volume rise.

Buyers are finding that home prices are becoming more attractive as prices roll back to near the same values as four years ago. Selection of homes styles is also a positive for buyers, The excess in current inventory is giving buyers more choices in finding a home which matches their lifestyle.

Another factor in increased sales is the relocation buyer. Home values are so much more attractive here, than in the Bay Area or the Greater Los Angeles area, many people are opting to relocate to the Central Valley.

According to Data Quick, the areas seeing the best increase in sales are the regions where home prices have declined the most. The California Association of Realtors reports that home affordability in Fresno County has risen for 44% in 2007 to a current rate of 56%.

Interest rates are still historically low. In May they began to inch upward but in the last few weeks this trend has reversed. Interest rates are expected to increase by the end of the year. The economy will be playing an important roll in the Federal Reserves position in regards to future rates.

The worst of the mortgage crisis has been worked through and the bottom of that unfortunate debacle has been reached according to many experts. There will still be foreclosures in the high numbers but the flood is beginning to recede, although the flood waters will recede slowing. It will be at least another year before Riverside and San Bernardino Counties will see any recovery in their market.

When a real estate market goes through a downturn, the way back up is always a little shaky. Solid footing may still be a ways off in the future, there is still a high inventory rate and we need to see a decline in the number of foreclosures entering the market each month. According to historic indicators it does appear that recovery for the real estate market is on the horizon. The economy, rising fuel prices and the forth-coming elections will all have their influence on what will happen next.

Personally, I believe this is an excellent time to buy, prices are down, inventory for buyers is at its best and interest rates are reasonable. Motivated buyers working with motivated sellers make it a win-win situation for everyone.

Staging a home is a key element in the sale of your house. However, getting an Oscar-worthy performance out of your house doesn't take a star's budget. There are simple things you can do to create appeal without going into your savings to get it done.

1. Roll out the red carpet. Curb appeal is important. Make sure that the landscaping is kept up. The mailbox needs to be fixed properly in place and even painted, if necessary. Remove any dead plants and debris that clutters up the place.

2. Curtain call. People often neglect the entryway. Invite people in with a clean entryway. Beautiful potted plants, a mirror or a water feature can add a cozy touch to visitors. A new light or door fixtures and a quick coat of paint can spiff up the front door. Purchase an inexpensive welcome mat to make the entry shine.

3. Dress the set. Simply rearranging the furniture you have can create a whole new feel to a room. Instead of focusing the family room around the fireplace, show off the view to the gorgeous backyard pool. A few candles, flowers or pieces of art scattered around can create a wonderful atmosphere.

4. Blockbuster changes. If possible, upgrade your appliances. This is not only visually appealing, but can add value to your home.

5. The dressing room. Give the bathroom a "spa"-like feel by adding new fluffy towels, lighting a few candles, providing extra hand towels near each sink and even purchasing travel-size shampoo, conditioner and lotion for that 5-star hotel look.

6. Clear the set. Clean up any clutter. This means throwing away trash, packing up those old clothes you never wear and donating them (great tax write-off, as well), putting away the knick-knacks that tend to populate shelves and clearing the kitchen countertops of all but the absolute basics so that you can show off all available counterspace.

These are just a few of the great, easy ways you can create a warm and inviting home that someone will want to call their own.

Welcome to gorgeous Fresno County! There is so much greatness here, where do I begin? Fresno has that beautiful sunny California weather everyone raves about over 300 days a year! This allows for some magnificent outdoor activities. However, if you want the white stuff, Fresno County includes the beautiful Sierra Mountains which are a great place to get your ski-groove on. With over 90 different nationalities inhabiting the area, Fresno County can truly be called a "melting pot". Parents and teachers have made the educational system here a priority. In fact, over 40% of the schools in the Clovis Unified School District received a National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition and 50% of the schools in the district are part of the state's Distinguished Schools Program. To understand how impressive this really is, only 4% of all schools in the nation have received one of these great honors.

Carole Jacoby wants to be your Realtor for the Fresno real estate area. Contact her today to find out why she is the residential and relocation specialist in the Central Valley.