Laura Burghardt

What are today's home buyers looking for? According to a survey* of 22,000 recent home buyers, they plan to be “more practical” in their next purchase, focusing on livable space rather than "unnecessary upgrades." Extras such as pools, media rooms and even dining rooms are considered unnecessary luxuries, with the focus being more on such things as:

• Efficient use of space (e.g. cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling)
• More workable kitchens (islands are still quite popular)
• "Greener" features (insulation, high-efficiency appliances)
• Nearby walking paths and playgrounds

In the master bath, whirlpool tubs are giving way to soaker tubs. But both are secondary to oversized showers.

Some features that are still important to buyers, however, include a home office, minimum two-car garage, and master suite on the ground floor (if it's a two-story home).

Of course, I think most buyers these days (40% of whom are first-timers) are also looking for a good deal. With interest rates and prices at historic lows, and with a small window of opportunity to cash in on the tax credits now available, what better time to be a buyer? Feel free to browse current Chico properties for sale at my web site: www.ChicoLaura.com

* As cited in the L.A. Times. To read the whole article, click here.

Heard of the new "CASH FOR CAULKERS" program the Obama administration is proposing? Also known as The Home Star Program, if approved by Congress it will offer rebates of $1,000 to $1,500, or 50% of the cost, for simple upgrades, such as windows and insulation, duct sealing, and energy-efficient water heaters, for a maximum of $3,000 per home.

Job creation could be a big selling point with Congress. It's been estimated the program could create 168,000 jobs in construction and related industries. (Andersen Windows refilled 600 positions because of increased demand last year driven by a $1,500 energy tax credit, says Jim Humphrey, CEO of Andersen, which currently employs 10,000 people.)

The concept is based on the popular "Cash for Clunkers" program, which helped spur auto sales last year. While we're awaiting word on congressional approval, you might want to check out sites like Flex Your Power or EnergySavvy.com for current rebates available. This may be the year to get some of those home upgrades done for greater energy efficiency. As President Obama says, "Insulation is sexy!"

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972. I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"? Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional. With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online? Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown. Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging, and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Maybe 15 years ago, I attended a workshop by "Staging Guru" Barb Swartz, who coined the term "staging" and has been teaching Realtors how to enhance their listings since 1972. I wonder what Barb thinks about the new trend of "virtual staging"? Literally "photoshopping" furnishings into a vacant room is certainly less costly than actually hiring a staging professional. With more and more (estimated 85%) folks beginning their home search online, it is one option.

I wonder, however, how a buyer feels when walking into a vacant house after seeing those enticing "picture perfect" views online? Even with full online disclosure ("This is how the home could look"), I can't help but feel it would be a bit of a letdown. Many of my clients have had professional staging done over the years, and I feel the investment (usually less than $2,000 here in Chico) usually helps to sell (especially a vacant home) more quickly and at a higher price.

You can click here to read a Realtor Magazine article about Virtual Staging, and click here to see some interesting "before and after" photos by a company called Virtual Staging Solutions.com.

What do you think about this new marketing technique?

Don't miss the 22nd Annual Home, Garden & Antique Show
March 15 & 16, 2008, 10am-5pm
Silver Dollar Fair Grounds in Chico!

Produced each year by Soroptimist International of Chico, this fundraiser allows the club to continue providing community service in many areas. (Please check out the SI Chico website for more information about this great show and the services provided by this wonderful organization.) This year's show is "going GREEN" and will be better than ever, featuring food demonstrations (with delectable samples!) by some of Chico's best eateries, creative ideas for landscaping, outdoor living, home improvement, decor, a fun "Kidz Corner," antiques, and a fabulous art and wine tasting area. All this AND a classic car and hot rod expo! See you there!