August 20th, 2014 at 3:30 pm
When you’re in the process of selling your home, consider what you look for when buying a home. In order to get a buyer to make a purchase, they must feel an emotional tie to the home. Factors like location and price play a prominent part, but by appealing to a buyers’ emotions you’re putting the icing on the cake. An emotional pull is likely to outweigh other factors. One of the easiest ways to create that connection is by creating an inviting sensory experience.
The sense of smell might be the most impactful of all the senses. Think about your own life, do certain smells conjure up both happy and sad memories. Smell can transport you to a different time and place. As a home seller you can use this to your advantage. Start by thoroughly cleaning your home; steam clean carpets, air out closed off rooms and invest in lightly scented air fresheners (be cautious of anything too bold). Pay attention to anything that can cause an unpleasant odor, like garbage cans and dirty laundry, and make sure these areas are cleaned before an open house or showing. If you have notice of an open house or showing, consider baking homemade goodies. Accompany the treats with a handwritten note inviting the guests to sit, relax and enjoy. The aroma and hand written note will make the potential buyer feel right at home and hopefully remind them of fond memories associated with the scent.
On that same note, taste can also be used as a way to build an emotional connection. Set out coffee, fresh baked goods, fruit or even candy. This can help buyers to feel comfortable and leave them with a pleasant impression. (more…)
August 15th, 2014 at 4:15 pm
Nicki Marcellino
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices reported that the La Jolla office was #1 for sales production through the first half of the year, out of the company’s vast network of offices in North America. The results point to another year of dominance for the La Jolla office, which has ranked #1 nationwide for nine of the last 11 years.
“We always expect a strong performance from our team in the La Jolla office, yet they always find a way to surpass our expectations,” said David M. Cabot, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. “I would like to thank our agents and staff for the teamwork and perseverance they display on behalf of our clients.”
The La Jolla office has topped the residential marketplace in San Diego and La Jolla for 14 years running, for all real estate brokerages serving the areas.
“I am very proud of the agents who tirelessly strive to be the best they can be and have earned the recognition for this office,” commented Nicki Marcellino, manager and vice president of the San Diego County region. “Consistency like this is the result of a team effort, with everyone taking personal responsibility for the experience our clients have with their transactions.”
“The La Jolla market has traditionally been stable and it will continue to remain an extremely desirable area,” adds Cabot, “but that could never be the sole explanation for such a remarkable track record. Our agents and staff deserve a tremendous amount of credit for this achievement.”
August 13th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
The Wolff Residence is back on the market in November 2019 and listed with Santa Monica agents George Salazar and Tilsia Acosta of the Wilshire Team. Read more here. (more…)
August 7th, 2014 at 10:00 am
The real estate industry has been buzzing about the Zillow – Trulia merger. Separately, these are the two largest online real estate listing companies in the United States. The plan to merge swirled throughout the industry last week and have since been confirmed; causing a substantial gain in Zillow’s stock price. However, the merger will do more than boost the bank accounts of those invested in these companies, it will also affect the real estate industry as a whole.
What Likely Will Not Change
If you’ve ever used either of these sites before you’ve probably also noticed that there isn’t as much information available for a property when compared to a local real estate agency. This fact is not likely to change as neither site is an MLS. Plans to take over MLSs have not currently been discussed in terms of this merger. Consumers should not expect to get access to more listings or depend on better information, but the ease and functionality of these sites should continue to improve. Most buyers begin the process online and these two sites are the most popular places to start. Consumers expect to receive hyper-local content from local real estate companies. Although they may begin their search online, those in the market to buy a home will be looking for local information from an agent.
Likely Changes (more…)
August 5th, 2014 at 12:30 pm
No one said the home buying process was quick and easy. In fact, for most people it takes months from the time a buyer starts looking for a house until they actually close on the house. As you near closing there is no shortage of items on your to-do list – inspections, finalizing loans and setting an escrow closing date to name a few. However, you’re not done quite yet! You still need to complete your final walkthrough.
What is the final walkthrough?
The purpose of the final walkthrough is to make sure everything is as it should be for closing. This is the step where you make sure the seller has fixed anything that needs fixing, if you negotiated keeping the refrigerator, now is the time you ensure the refrigerator is there and no additional damage happened as a result of the seller moving out. Your real estate agent will coordinate your walkthrough about a week before closing and you can expect that it will take about 30-60 minutes to complete a full walkthrough.
Why does it matter?
