Sandy Nichols Acevedo, Realtor Oxnard Homes for Sale

And the Oscar Goes to........., My Super Bowl Sunday is Today!

I love the movies. I love all facets of Cinematography, from the grips to the Directors, from the stunt men and women to the actors, from the voice technicians to award winning musical scores. And from the glitz and glamour of the red carpet to joys of acceptance speeches.

I must admit, I am not of fan of overlong acceptance speeches. Of course the winning recipient will want to thank everyone, but unless it is a unique thank you, these are often too long and boring.

This infatuation with all things cinemagraphic had its beginnings in the 1950’s when my mother gave my sister and I money for the movies and candy. In those days, you could send youngsters by themselves to the “show.” Those were the days of RKO and Loews theaters, of double features, of Abbott and Costello and of the red curtain that drew back when the “show” started. Several cartoons were always shown before the main attraction, and a double feature guaranteed a long, free afternoon for parents.

And today is the super bowl for the movie industry! Last year was the first time I saw every movie that was up for serious consideration. This year, I’ve seen all but one.


Here is Moviefone’s Ballot

I will also be trying something out for the very first time. Don’t laugh, but I will be following the On The Red Carpet on Twitter. #OTRC This will be fun and weird too!

OK... don’t know what I am doing. That is why I picked today to learn. I anyone wants to tweet me @SandyAcesHomes.... I think!!

Trying to Time the Market?..... fuhgeddaboudit!

Trying to time the real estate market in Oxnard, CA. is a game you can win only only by coincidence or luck.

Unemployment remains a concern. An increase in the number of new households is predicated on an increase in jobs. Even if we have seen the worst of the recession, most analysts believe the housing recovery could be rocky for years. A quick turnaround is probably not on the horizon.

What is for sure right now are the ‘not seen for decades’ low interest rates. What is for sure right now are lower home prices.

It is really quite simple. You need to do what is best for you Right Now.

• Sometimes it is just better to cut your losses and Move On
• Sometimes if you sell Right Now and lose some of that equity, you will make it up in the lower priced house you buy Right Now.
• Sometimes when you clear all the price noise in your head and focus on a simple path, you'll end up sleeping better and worrying less.
• We won’t know if it is the bottom of the market until it is too late and prices are already rising.

Think again, if you think you will know the exact time to buy or sell in Oxnard, CA. Just like the old “Brooklynism” goes ….fuhgeddaboudit!

It’s Your Move ~ Let’s Talk About It!

A Backyard Sanctuary is One Key to Success

A backyard can be inviting and relaxing with a conversation area that is simple to create. A few chairs pulled close together beside a small table can be special. An outdoor eating area always makes a property more inviting. A clean fresh tablecloth, some flowers in a vase and doesn’t it just say “home” to you?

The kids play area should be organized and neat. Sporting equipment in baskets give the invitation of “let’s play ball” and the feeling that there is plenty of room for it. But swing sets that are rusty and sagging should be removed or repaired and painted.

Fire pits and outdoor hearths are popular because they appeal to emotional sense of sitting around a fire enjoying the company of family and friends.
Many homeowners who have added a backyard fireplace have noticed the "wow” factor when entertaining in this way. The backyard fireplace extends and enhances the appeal of your interior home and brings it to the outside setting. If you have ever been lucky enough to have enjoyed a campfire at night, you know what I mean.

To prepare you home for sale, check the backyard deck and fence. Replace loose boards, and apply a fresh coat of pain or sealant if necessary.

A fountain does not need to be elaborate or large, or expensive. The soothing sounds of bubbling water can be very soothing. Taking care to weed your garden, and adding some colorful plants will attract the eye and hold it there. This will promote added interest. If your budget allows, a stager can add a few special elements.

These are a few of the smart things you can do. You will realize a great return for this small investment of time and effort. Your backyard will stand out from the others and beckon new owners.

If you need assistance locating the backyard of your choice in Oxnard, CA, please call me at 951-290-8588 and we will find your oasis.

Men are from Mars... . and Women Too!

Here are some stereotypical things that you may have absorbed during the home selling/buying process.

Women “like” and are “attracted” to kitchens, closets, laundry and gardening areas.

Men “like” and are “attracted” to garage spaces, grass/lawn worries, man caves, surround sound, and beer keg placements.

In a home that has great amenities do we, during the staging and preparing the home for sale, specifically highlight these areas for the future homeowner? And by so doing, are we painting a single color landscape?

Haven't you known men who are excellent chefs? Haven't you seen women who are Cross fit aficionados and would love to have body toning equipment in the garage?

I know that I have many different types. Are they in the majority of mainstream life? No, but that doesn't mean we exclude them in our marketing.

So, I recommend that if you have an automobile space that would engender "garage envy," don't specifically gear it towards men. And if you have a gourmet kitchen, worthy of a "Top Chef" competition, don't assume you need to be calling all ladies.

Be inclusive of all who might enjoy what a home has to offer, and you just might see much more interest than you expected.

So... I’m HAFA Certified, Now What?

Don’t go telling me I wasted my time and that this program doesn’t work. Don’t want to hear it … (see the hands covering the ears, na,na ,na na). The fact is I learned a lot! And in fact, the program has helped many, many homeowners.

You see, I have been fortunate in that my most recent listings have been standard sales.

HAFA stands for Home Afordable Foreclosure Alternatives. HAFA program attributes include:

Foreclosure sale date postponed
$3,000 relocation incentive to qualified seller
Commission protection up to 6%
Mandated timelines for approval (10 days)
Pre-approved Short Sale terms and pricing
Mandated deficiency forgiveness
Standardizes process, documents and timelines
Mandated use of a real estate agent

Now I must forage in the forest of short sales and I don’t know what awaits me.

And by the way, if you know someone in Ventura County who could use my assistance in weighing foreclosure alternatives, please give me their contact information, and I will gladly follow up.

If you, as a consumer, are trying to navigate the muddy waters of foreclosure alternatives, are upside down in your mortgage and are looking for reliable assistance, please call me, so I can help!

It’s Your Move ~ Let’s Talk About It!