Residential Marketing Solutions

What Are 2021 Home Buyers Looking For?

What Are 2021 Home Buyers Looking For?

As homebuyers look back at 2020, many are excited to make positive changes in the New Year. The global health emergency impacted people around the globe. In addition to changing the way we interact with others; it also changed the way in which people look at their homes. As stay-at-home orders kept most of us inside, homeowners everywhere realized their existing home didn’t quite meet their needs or the needs of their family. This has led to an increase in people looking to buy in 2021.

Homebuyers today want specific features that will make their life more comfortable. Before selling, homeowners may want to consider making upgrades and improvements. Most prospective buyers will pay a higher price for homes in desirable neighborhoods with the features they need.

Eat-In Kitchens

A recent study conducted by the FMI Foundation found that 94% of U.S. adults are cooking the same amount or more than they did before the pandemic. Of those surveyed, 78% reported they have positive feelings about family meals. In fact, 85% plan to eat family meals more often after the pandemic. It only makes sense that homebuyers want a space for eating with family.

In addition to providing enough space for family to dine together, an eat-in kitchen makes it easier for family members to participate in other activities as well. This large space allows children to complete school assignments, parents to work from home, and family to gather for board games or other activities.

Outdoor Living Space

As people spend more time at home, outdoor living space becomes more important. This is especially true in warmer parts of the country like Southern California. Even a small patio or balcony provides homeowners with a welcome escape from indoors.

In addition to upgraded outdoor lighting fixtures, fire pits and BBQs, and outdoor ceiling fans, homeowners want a fenced-in backyard. A well-constructed fence provides privacy and keeps kids and pets safely inside.

Garage

An increasing number of millennials and first-time buyers are looking to make the switch from apartment life to owning a home. These buyers are looking for something their apartment didn’t offer – a private garage. Parking in a garage extends the life of vehicles and helps keep them at a comfortable temperature during hot weather. A private garage also provides additional security and storage for homebuyers.

Energy Efficiency

An increasing number of homebuyers want energy efficient features. These buyers understand that energy efficient appliances and newer doors and windows reduce energy costs and help protect the environment.

Reasonable Commute

Homebuyers are choosing homes they can live in for many years to come. They want a home located close to everything they may need both now and in the future. These buyers gravitate towards homes located close to shopping, entertainment, good school districts, and employment opportunities.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

 

Holiday Home Safety

Holiday Home Safety

The holidays are here and Orange County residents are excited for the opportunity to celebrate. While many people are busy decorating their homes and planning their holiday vacations, it’s important to remember that this time of year presents safety hazards as well. Fortunately, there are some things homeowners can do to protect their home and their family this season.

Holiday Lights

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical problems are the leading cause of holiday fires. Homeowners that enjoy decorating with lights indoors or outdoors need to take care to ensure proper safety. Before decorating, homeowners should carefully inspect each string of lights for any signs of damage. String lights with exposed wires, corroded sockets, or loose connections should be replaced. When changing bulbs, make sure the new bulbs have the same voltage rating. Using bulbs with a different rating increases the chance of overheating and fire.

Another important safety precaution, homeowners should limit strands to no more than three strings per link. Linking more strings of lights could increase the risk of fire.

Candles

Candles add a magical glow to festivities and play an important part in many holiday traditions. Before lighting candles, check that they are properly mounted on a non-flammable base and that they are kept at least one foot from anything flammable including walls and furniture.

 Fireplace Safety

Most of us enjoy warming up next to a fire during the cold months of winter. However, it’s important to make sure your fireplace is properly maintained before and after use. It’s a good idea to have your chimney checked and cleaned each year. This helps remove creosote build-up, which can catch fire during normal use.

Before lighting a fire, make sure the flue is open and remove any decorations surrounding the fireplace. Using a screen helps protect flying embers from entering your home. Always use quality firewood and never throw paper in the fireplace as this can start flash fires.

Keep Living Spaces & Walkways Safe

While most of us in Southern California don’t have to worry about snow, for those living in cooler areas snow and ice can cause a major safety hazard. It’s important that homeowners shovel and scrape driveways and walkways regularly.

It gets dark much earlier in the winter. Make sure all of the lights in the front of your home work properly. In addition to helping you see better when you return home, outside lighting may also deter intruders.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

Top 5 Things Homebuyers Are Looking for in New Homes in 2020

Top 5 Things Homebuyers Are Looking for in New Homes in 2020

As more people make the switch to working from home and distance learning, many Americans are finding their current home simply does not meet the changing needs of their family. In addition to requiring adequate space to complete work privately, private spaces are becoming more necessary within homes for schooling and connecting to family, even if small.  Having a space to relax away from the responsibilities of work or school allows families to separate home and office. This mental separation improves productivity and strengthens relationships.

While some things remain the same, many of the features prospective homebuyers look for in a new home have changed during the pandemic. The following details the top 5 things homebuyers are looking for in a new home this year.

More Rooms

Remote work and school is driving homebuyers to search for more square footage and separate bedrooms for every member of the family.  Plus, homebuyers are looking for homes designed with office spaces and larger great rooms.

Wireless Connectivity

In 2020, more than ever, strong internet connection is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity when buying a home. In addition to enabling control of smart home features, internet connectivity and strong cell service allows for easy communication and fast connection.

Wireless connectivity makes it possible for remote learners to access classes and virtual calls. It allows remote workers to complete tasks and collaborate with teams. Wireless connectivity is required to run streaming services like Hulu and Netflix.

Updated Kitchens & Bathrooms

Regardless of the pandemic, one thing remains the same – new homebuyers want upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. This is especially true for Millennials and first-time homebuyers. According to a study conducted by Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc., 81% of prospective homebuyers believe that updated kitchens and bathrooms are the most important feature when buying a new home.

With many restaurants closed, families are spending more time in the kitchen. In addition to upgraded flooring, countertops, and appliances, homes with large, open-floor kitchens are selling quickly this year.

Yards or More Community Amenities for Relaxation

As statewide restrictions to flatten the curve evolve, many homebuyers are keen to look for private yards, rooftop decks and private community amenities that provide them with outside spaces to relax in.  It’s not likely the above-mentioned features will become less important.

Low Maintenance and Energy Efficient Features

Buying a new home is one of the largest purchases a person can make. After purchase, the last thing new homebuyers want is to put a lot of money into maintenance. Prospective homebuyers are looking for low maintenance, move-in ready homes. This also encompasses money spent following the purchase of a new home, an increasing number of homebuyers are looking for new homes with energy efficient features. Features like insulation, double-paned windows, low-flush toilets, energy efficient lighting and appliances can save homeowners a considerable amount of money over time.

Final Thoughts

Especially since the pandemic began, people everywhere have had to adjust and adapt to multiple changes. Businesses have realized that remote working saves money and often makes teams more productive. Schools and parents have discovered the many benefits of virtual learning. Throughout this time, most of us have figured out what we need to move forward.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

 

 

How Smart Technology Helps Keep Homes Safe and Cool

How Smart Technology Helps Keep Homes Safe and Cool

From the cell phones we use to connect with one another to the computers used to complete important tasks, technology plays an important role in most of our lives. While you’re probably familiar with smart phones and computers, homeowners have many more options when it comes to technology for their home.

By connecting home appliances, security systems, and other everyday devices to the internet, homeowners can activate and inactivate just about anything with the click of a button on their cell phone. This smart technology makes life more convenient, reduces energy bills, and increases the security of a home.

Years ago, smart home technology was out of reach for many people. In addition to the high cost of devices and deployment, smart technology was difficult to use. Fortunately, things have changed and smart technology has become more affordable and user-friendly in recent years. In fact, according to a new study by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), 69% of U.S. households now own at least one smart home device.

Keeping Homes Safe With Smart Technology

Smart technology allows devices to communicate their status throughout the day. This makes it possible for homeowners to take a proactive approach to a wide range of situations. Some of the more impressive smart home options include plugs with auto turn-off, water leak and monitoring devices, and connected security devices with live video feed capabilities.

Smart technology can help homeowners catch leaks faster, preventing mold and damage of property. Connecting security devices to the internet increases home security and helps prevent theft. Smart devices like motion detectors and security cameras can set off a chain of events. When triggered by a potential intruder, smart devices can activate alarms, security lights, and notify the homeowner and/or authorities immediately. These features might prove especially beneficial to rental property owners. Smart technology gives homeowners eyes on their property, regardless of their physical location in the world.

Another benefit of smart home technology, smart doorbells and smart locks alert homeowners when someone is at their front door. In addition to a cell phone alert, some of these smart devices even let homeowners view and communicate with visitors through their doorbell.

Smart Technology Keeps Homes Cool in the Summer

One of the most common smart technology devices, smart thermostats allow homeowners to control the temperature of their home or rental property from a smart phone or computer. During the summer, homeowners can turn on the air shortly before they return home. This ensures a cool and comfortable living space, while avoiding the high energy bills associated with leaving the air running when no one is home. For rental property owners, smart technology makes it possible for owners to set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature for tenants. This ensures an enjoyable experience for tenants while protecting the property owner from energy bill spikes.

Smart Technology Provides Numerous Benefits

Smart technology makes life more convenient, improves safety and security, and increases the value of a home. Many insurance companies even offer discounts to homeowners that implement smart features in their home. Homeowners and homebuyers are strongly encouraged to learn more about smart home technology.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of Buying a Home? Here’s Why Your Credit Score Matters

Thinking of Buying a Home? Here’s Why Your Credit Score Matters

Buying a new home takes careful planning. In addition to deciding on location, features, and appearance, homebuyers must also think about their financing options. While most prospective buyers focus on finding the right home, choosing a mortgage to pay for the purchase is equally important.

Homebuyers will want to secure a mortgage with the lowest interest rate possible and a monthly payment that fits within their budget. In order to accomplish this, it’s recommended that prospective buyers start by cleaning up their credit report and boosting their credit score before applying for a loan.

Prospective Buyers Should Check Their Credit Score

Even buyers that don’t plan to shop for several months or even years could benefit from checking their credit reports periodically. This not only makes you more aware of your credit health, it also helps you catch and resolve issues sooner before they impact your ability to purchase a new home.

Although many people believe it’s better to have no credit than a bad credit score, this isn’t actually true. While having a mediocre credit score could raise the costs involved with buying a home, having no credit could make it impossible to get a mortgage at all.

FICO Score Determines How Much Borrowers Pay For a Home

Lenders look at a borrower’s FICO score to determine interest rates and the resulting interest payments. The higher the score, the lower the interest rate and interest payments will be. For example, let’s look at a $350,000 30-year fixed rate mortgage in California. A homebuyer with a credit score between 760 and 850 might see an APR of 3.778%. Whereas, a homebuyer with a credit score between 620 and 639 will likely see an APR closer to 5.374%. Although it doesn’t sound like a big difference, the second homebuyer will actually pay $119,956 more for the same home. In fact, they’ll pay a whopping $355,485 in interest alone, which is more than the original value of the home. This not only affects the homebuyer in the long run, it also makes their monthly mortgage payments higher.

Improve Your Credit Score Before Shopping for a Home

Once you’ve determined your credit score, it’s important to take the steps needed to boost your score if necessary. The fastest and easiest way to accomplish this is by making sure all accounts are in good standing and by lowering your credit utilization by making larger payments and/or paying off debt. Prospective homebuyers may also benefit from requesting a higher credit limit on the cards used most frequently. As long as you don’t spend against the increased limit, this is one of the fastest ways to reduce credit utilization.

The Problem With Too Much Available Credit

While making regular payments and keeping credit utilization under 30% can increase your credit score and improve your chance of obtaining a favorable interest rate, having too many outstanding credit lines, even if you do not use them, can hurt your FICO score by making you look more risky to lenders.

Borrowers with several open credit accounts often find it difficult to control their spending and keep track of due dates. Even if you have no plans to use open credit accounts, lenders may still see you as a risk. This is why it’s so important to close any credit accounts you do not use before applying for a loan.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Space

Summer has officially arrived and many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Whether you plan to spend your summer reading on your patio, or grilling up delicious meals, it’s important to make sure you create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and tranquility.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of effort to create the perfect outdoor living space. You don’t even need a lot of room to work with. You just need to maximize the space you have, no matter how big or small.

Create an Indoor-Outdoor Connection

Homeowners can create a comfortable and stylish outdoor living space by adding many of the same luxuries they enjoy in their living room. To create this look, select outdoor furniture with plush cushions and stylish indoor-outdoor lighting fixtures. Homeowners can also add weatherproof artwork, storage units, an overhead fan, bright colored pillows, and gorgeous linens to create a space that’s both stylish and comfortable.

Focus on Color

A little color can make a big difference to the look and feel of an outdoor living space. Consider adding a large, brightly colored patio umbrella to your outdoor area. In addition to providing much needed shade, umbrellas provide an excellent vertical element to patio spaces. You can further enhance this look by matching a boldly colored umbrella with plush chair cushions.

Add Big, Bold Houseplants

Indoor plants grow quickly outdoors, making them perfect for creating a wonderful display and providing shade and privacy. Indoor plants that thrive outside include Fiddle Leaf Ficus, Peace Lily, Philodendron, Croton, Lady Palm, and Sansevieria.

Fix Up Your Old Furniture

A little spray paint can transform old patio furniture, bringing color and excitement to your outdoor living space. You can find a variety of colors and finishes at your local hardware store. Just make sure the color you choose doesn’t clash with the exterior of your home. Using a variety of colors creates or a truly unique look.

Divide the Space

Dividers add privacy and make it possible to create multiple “rooms”. This can work even with relatively small spaces. Strategically place fences, structures, or plants to create walls separating eating spaces, garden areas, and spaces meant for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Let Nature Be Your Guide

Create a gorgeous and inviting open airspace by surrounding it in colorful, fragrant, and cooling plants.  Complete this look with wicker furniture and simple patio pavers.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

 

 

Why School District Matters When Buying a Home

Why School District Matters When Buying a Home

There are many things to consider when buying a new home. This is especially true for first-time home buyers and families. Although it’s important to make sure your new home has plenty of room for all members of your family, nothing is quite as important as location. After all, you can never move the location of your new home and this has a major impact on your life; including where you work and where children go to school.

Homebuyers Look At Schools When Deciding Where to Buy

According to a recent study by Realtor.com, 73 percent of home buyers listed good school boundaries as an important factor when deciding where to buy. Even home buyers without children should consider schools when choosing a new home. Why?

People often equate good schools with good neighborhoods. As a result, homes located by higher rated schools tend to hold their value better, even during economic downturns. This is important if you even need to resell your home.

Although it’s important that parents look at all schools in the area, you should not limit that to just public school districts. Communities with lower rated school districts often have charter school options that buyers should consider. More than three million American children attend charter schools. These schools offer high-quality education even in neighborhoods where public schools have failed.

Education Provides the Foundation for a Happy Life

Prospective home buyers should research all available options before deciding on a home because a good education is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child In addition to quality teachers and a variety of available educational programs, good schools maintain a high level of communication with parents and caregivers.

Children with an excellent education and support system become more confident in their ability to succeed. They learn important values, morals, and different ways to solve problems. This can benefit them in all areas of their life.

Now is the Time to Buy!

Homebuyers wishing to enroll their children in a new school district need to act soon. The buying process takes time, and houses are selling extremely fast. Now is the time to act if you want your children to start the 2020-2021 school year in a new school.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers.

No, It’s Not the Same As 2009

No, It’s Not the Same As 2009

There’s a saying that the difference between wisdom and knowledge is that knowledge is knowing that the tomato is a fruit and wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. An interesting visual of the practical application of wisdom.

With the Covid-19 pandemic in full force in the United States, a younger colleague asked me if it was like this in 2009. My quick response was “No! It was a slower burn in 2009 and today what we are experiencing is more like hitting a wall”. Reflecting on that later, here are three factors that keep my answer the same:

Fear

Everyone will be touched by Covid-19 in one way or another. Some may catch this virus and battle it from a hospital bed. Others may become paralyzed emotionally by the news. Some will see their income negatively affected or the anticipation of that. But this fear will eventually change once this virus is controlled. In 2009, the fear was different, it was really based on the uncertainty of the financial markets but it was the events leading up to that time that created a false market and eventual crash. For those of you in real estate or finance at that time, you know exactly what I mean,. There were transactions closing with no verification loans, income off the application; loans with zero money down which made no sense. Prices were escalating too fast, sometimes mid-phase or within the same week. But since that era, financial overhaul has stabilized our markets and insured that people have substantial qualifications and/or large down payments to insure that the “strategic defaults” would be reduced. Statistically in 2007 there were 8.2 months of inventory to sell and today there is 3.1 months.

Hope

This is not a political statement but I do believe that our leaders have the right mindset that will work towards a faster recovery to this pandemic. Why? To start, the economic stimulus was fast and will provide immediate relief. The delay of the payment of Federal taxes is a second reason; this alone has relieved households nationwide of an April 15th deadline. Many were wondering how they would make that payment if their income was affected. China is back at work, which will open up supply lines on many necessary parts and goods the US depends on. It’s also important to keep in mind that housing construction has not stopped. The financial markets will recover; it may take some time, but they always do. Interest rates are still very low, we just need time for take out lenders to stabilize funding. That adjustment will happen and the housing market will continue to be stimulated. Many families will decide they need a different or larger home, a new lifestyle with more walk-ability and let’s not forget all the babies to be born in 9 months!

Technology

Every sector has advanced since 2009 in this arena; many companies (mine included) were already virtual from that downturn, as they saw no need to spend revenue on brick & mortar offices. Between Microsoft Meetings, Facetime, Zoom, all platforms of virtual meetings, Docusign, Dropbox; you name it, there will be less down time in productivity across the board. The only groups left behind are those that never embraced technology and like the dinosaurs, their time has passed.

Let’s look at this as more of a pause rather than a downturn. A great time to connect with our partners and vendors, a time to be flexible and show creativity in our business. Spending more time with our families is a good thing. Once our shelter in place orders are lifted, I believe we will see an increase in kindness and compassion…there is no virus that can stop those qualities!

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers. Please contact us for more information about our services.

 

 

 

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Most people dream of buying their first home. Until recently, many waited until later in life to make this important purchase. Today, younger adults are purchasing homes at an extremely high rate. In fact, Zillow recently reported that more millennials will buy homes in 2020 than Baby Boomers and Generation X combined.

Regardless of age, buying a new home can feel overwhelming. This is especially true in Southern California where median home price sits around $549,000 and new homes sell in as little as three weeks or less. In this competitive real estate market, it’s important that new homebuyers take care not to make an impulsive decision that hurts their long-term financial goals.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Even if your rent is less expensive than what your monthly mortgage payment will be, it’s important to remember that when you buy a home you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your new home. Before purchasing a home, it’s important to pay off as much debt as possible and build an emergency fund for unexpected maintenance and repairs.  Most lenders require two months of payment reserves before they will finance a mortgage.

Determine How Much House You Can Afford

Depending on the type of mortgage you can qualify for, the monthly housing cost (including HOA fees, insurance, and taxes) shouldn’t be any more that 35% of your take home pay. For example, if you make $10,000 per month, your housing costs shouldn’t exceed $3,500 per month.

It’s important to remember that property tax rates and home insurance premiums can vary. A reputable mortgage lender can help you determine how much house you can afford based on local rates and online sources can help you understand payment calculations and interest rates, like bankrate.com.

Down Payment: How Much Will You Need to Save?

Some homebuyers can use their ex-military/Veteran (VA) status to qualify for a zero down mortgage but most homebuyers are not that fortunate.  If the home you are considering can qualify for an FHA loan, then you will need to come up with 3% of the price in down payment plus closing costs. All FHA loans require mortgage insurance which is factored into the loan qualifications, but they also allow for higher debt to income ratios to qualify.

If financing conventional, down payments start at 5% down depending on qualifying.   Some conventional loans will increase the interest rate to include the Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) which is typically required for conventional loans less than 20% down.

Many millennials are staying home longer to save the additional down payment to own, even others ask your friends and family for help.

Save for Closing Costs

Closing costs are due at the time of sale and typically cost between 1% and 2% of the purchase price of a home.  Many times, the Seller will help a home buyer by offering a closing cost credit or the mortgage lender will offer a no fee loan.

Remember that rent will always increase but once you own a home, the payment if fixed and you are increasing your wealth with both tax deductions and equity.   It’s alright to put your retirement savings on hold for a short period while you save to purchase a home.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers. Please contact us for more information about our services.

 

New Year, New House – Here’s Everything You Need to Know About 2020 Real Estate Trends

New Year, New House – Here’s Everything You Need to Know About 2020 Real Estate Trends

With 2019 in the books, both buyers and sellers are looking toward 2020. This is the time of year when real estate experts begin making predictions of upcoming real estate trends. In order to make these predictions, they must first consider the previous year and its effects on the housing market.

Last year, early forecasts predicted that mortgage lenders would struggle throughout the year amongst rising interest rates. In retrospect, 2019 was the opposite with an unexpected downward trend in interest rates.  This created a desirable environment for future home buyers; which caused an increase in home sales throughout much of the year. Refinances have also risen in 2019, as homeowners have taken the opportunity to capture lower interest rates. This has been good news for mortgage lenders, sellers, and buyers, and the real estate market has seen homes in Southern California selling in as little as three weeks of hitting the market.

Although we’ll probably see a few new housing trends emerge this year, we expect many of 2019’s trends to continue into 2020. Increased competition, home technology, and low housing inventory will most likely drive real estate trends throughout much of the year.

Increased Competition

Although low mortgage rates started to revitalize the market last summer, we aren’t expected to see the full impact until next year. Thanks to rising education and low unemployment rates, more people will have the opportunity to buy in the coming year. As more people make the decision to buy, buyers will have less housing inventory to choose from, increasing demand and competition in the housing market throughout much of 2020. Some predictions include the return of bidding wars next year. The supply and demand balance will stabilize by the end of next year, as more homeowners and builders make the decision to sell.

Reduced Recession Risk

Thanks to increased spending, recent data suggests that a U.S. recession is less likely in 2020. As it stands, the chance of a recession is roughly 1 in 4 according to Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at RedFin (SOURCE). In order to keep this number low, it’s important that consumers continue spending throughout the year.

Smart Home Technologies

With new technologies emerging almost every day, it’s a fair assumption that technology will continue as a top deciding factor when choosing a home in 2020. Smart technologies such as smart lighting, smart thermostats, and smart security systems use predictive analysis and AI to learn patterns and recognize potential problems. Users can easily control and monitor these devices from any location in the world from a smart phone, tablet, or computer.

Strategic Sales and Marketing offers a variety of real estate sales and marketing services. Our team has years of experience working with the real estate industry and understands the steps required to identify and connect with potential buyers. Please contact us for more information about our services.