Millennials Entering Housing Market

While millennials (those born 1982-2005) often get a bad rap and are sometimes referred to as lazy or "entitled", they should not be overlooked as a vital part of our housing market This newest generation of 86 million is coming of age and many are interested in home ownership.  It is true, that as a whole, millennials are leaving home later and waiting until their 30's to get married but recent data supports that they constitute a large number of homebuyers in the very near future.


It brings a smile to my face when I see the "baby boomer" generation shaking their head in disbelief as they observe the ways and mannerisms of many young people today.  Yes, I will secretly agree that the tattoos alone are enough to send one over the edge at times. As a boomer myself, though, I remember how horrified our parents were during the 60's and 70's when the boys stopped cutting their hair, the girls didn't wear makeup or shave their legs and the the world seemed to turn upside down.  We got through those times, figuring it all out along the way and and I have faith that this new generation will, not only surprise us old boomers, but will most likely far exceed our own accomplishments.


 Nancy Puder is a Real Estate Broker in Arroyo Grande CA with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have questions or concerns regarding your property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.

 

 

More Down Payment Help For First-Time Buyers

Recently, CALHFA, the California Housing Finance Agency, announced their plans to provide additional down payment assistance for first time homebuyers.  The additional amount will be $6,500 according to a recent report.  The assistance will be provided through the CalPLUS Conventional program.  The agency continues their efforts to help first time homebuyers step into the real estate market.

 

Currently, the CalHFA Zip Extra down payment assistance program reduces the amount of money needed to purchase a home for buyers who may not have enough funds for a large down payment and closing costs.

 

This new program which has already begun will include the additional $6,500 on top of the 3 percent down payment it currently offers as part of it's CalPLUS Conventional with Zero Interest Program (ZIP).  The ZIP program provides 3 percent of the loan amount at 0 percent interest on a fixed rate 30-year mortgage.  The additional $6500, ZIP Extra, is zero percent interest also.

 

An added benefit to working with CALHFA is that their various programs can be combined.  This new assistance is available only for first-time home buyers.  Although non-first-time buyers are not eligible for this latest addition to the program, it is important to discuss all possibilities of financing with a trusted LOCAL lender.  

 

You are welcome to contact me anytime with your real estate questions. I always enjoy hearing from you! Nancy Puder is a Real Estate Broker in Arroyo Grande CA with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have questions or concerns regarding your own property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staging Mistakes To Avoid When Selling

Staging often makes the difference on how easily your home will sell. Sellers should be aware that poor staging will sabotage your efforts more times than not.   Here are tips on how to avoid mistakes when staging and how to get your home "picture ready" and appealing to buyers.


One of the biggest tips I give to my clients is to simply unclutter.  It seems like everyone is eager to get started with the "staging" part but often don't understand the de-cluttering process is the most important part of staging. Sometimes after removal of excessive stuff in the house, we find that is all we needed to sell the home. 


Once the home is decluttered and cleaned thoroughly, be careful not to start adding items without some guidance from a great agent.  Here are some common mistakes that I too often see sellers make.

• Boring

The goal of staging is to get the buyer to feel like the home always looks like this, and at the same time, make it real.  If the home is too perfect and looks completely un-lived in, it can deter a buyer. Some buyers feel that their stuff will never look as good in the home and begin to step back. Of course, boring is better than over cluttered, but color accents here and there will make your photos pop.  Just be careful not to go overboard.

• Scents

Don't overdo it with air fresheners.  Too much scent will make a buyer suspicious of what the seller might be trying to cover up.  In addition,  fresheners can be so strong that everyone can't wait to get out of the house!  The home should smell fresh and clean.  Subtle scents are nice but be sure that it is not heavily perfumed.  A good choice is to invest in a deep cleaning to remove lingering odors and be careful not to cook anything too potent while the house is listed for sale.

• Music

Music can be tricky because of varying tastes. Definitely, do not use radio tunes if the station tends to get static. You can count on the station to choose the showing period to be at it's worse.  I have shown homes myself with annoying radio static in the background.  Everyone present usually just wants to get away as quickly as they can, no matter how nice the house is.  Something low and neutral in the background can be effective.  It's always better to have no music at all if you are unsure of which music to play.

• Move and Leave Things for Staging

It's amazing how many sellers will take their favorite items to their new home and leave a few things behind and call it staging.  Trust me when I say this is rarely is a good idea.  Staging is an art, especially in a vacant home.  When the home is vacated, take everything and then go back and stage with your best items, not with what is left over.  A couple of forlorn pieces of furniture sitting in an empty room especially with dated "wall art" is a staging disaster.  Either leave the home well furnished and looking lovely or leave it completely empty...not somewhere in between.

• Throwing Money Away on Bad Renovations

My best tip on this is to get advice from a great agent BEFORE renovating. It can be hard to know which renovations will give you the best return on your investment.  It is critical to speak to an agent "in the know"  before spending a lot of money, and I strongly suggest that you do not depend entirely on television programs for guidance. Inexpensive new cabinet hardware or new light fixtures might go a long way toward making the home feel up to date and may help you avoid spending thousand of dollars.

• Remove the Clutter Don't Just Rearrange

If it is too much trouble to remove the extra clutter off the property, at least box it up and put it all in a corner of the garage. Stand in the middle of each room and slowly look at small segments of each room.  If you see objects that don't enhance the room, remove them.  Liquid soaps, sponges, tooth brushes, electric shavers etc. are either unsightly or too personal when showing the home.  Keep them in the cabinet or drawer. My pet peeves...white plastic trash cans in the kitchen and toilet seats left up.  If you have nowhere to put your trash can, don't advertise it and please be sure to put your toilet seats down, especially for your pictures!

If you are thinking of selling your home and would like some advice on how to get it ready to sell, call or email me anytime.  I always enjoy hearing from you!   


Nancy Puder is a Real Estate Broker in Arroyo Grande CA with Nancy Puder & Associates. If you have questions or concerns regarding your property, contact Nancy at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com.  You may also go to Facebook.com/Nancy Puder Realtor and "like" her page to access other real estate related articles.