Tag: Real estate economics

California Real Estate, Home Sellers, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values, Sellers

Ready to List Your Home for Sale? Start with the Right Price

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

If your home is underpriced, it will sell quickly, but that’s not something to brag about if you leave money on the table. If your home is priced too high, it will sit on the market for too long and buyers will lose interest. So what’s the right price for your home? The key to correct pricing is through a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

First, a professional real estate agent will gather information about your home. Then, they’ll select comparable recently sold properties (comps) for comparison. The major concerns when selecting comps are:

  • The comparable homes have sold recently, so prices are up-to-date in a rapidly moving market.
  • The properties are similar to the home being valued—the same number of bedrooms and baths, similar square footage, and around the same age.
  • The comps are in the same neighborhood, nearby, or in a very similar neighborhood, preferably within a 1-mile radius of your home.

After selecting three to five comps, the adjustment process begins. It is very rare that there will be three to five homes exactly like yours, so some adjustments to their sold prices need to be made. This means adjusting the sold price to reflect differences between the comps and your home so that the comparison is more equal.

  • If the comp has fewer bedrooms or baths, the value of a bedroom or bath must be added to the comps’ sold price, as the home would have sold for more with the extra rooms.
  • If the comp has more bedrooms or baths, the value is subtracted from the sold price, as the home would have sold for less if it was just like your home.

This step is more of an art than an exact science, as agents must decide how much a bedroom or bath is worth. Often, they’ll get estimates from appraisers to help. Once the sold prices are adjusted, each home’s sold price is divided by the square footage and an average of those is taken, resulting in the average price per square foot for the comps. 

Then there’s one more simple step. Take that price per square foot and multiply it by the square footage of your home to get your estimated list price. This is definitely not a hard and exact number since there are a number of variables involved.

If you want to know your home’s value in today’s market, contact me for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis. 

Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info, Home Sellers, How's the Market Snapshot, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values

How’s the Market Snapshot- November 2018

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

I want to share with you what has been happening in your local real estate market. These are aggregated values based on collected MLS data.

Are you wondering how much your home is worth? Let me know! I will gladly send you a home valuation estimate completely free of charge. Send me a text or email with your property address and I’ll have the estimated value over to you in less than 24 hours!

Text: (626) 252-0839

Email: Yesenia@NewCenturyBroker.com

Regards,

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia
Broker, BRE 01293970
626-252-0839
http://www.NewCenturyBroker.com
http://www.CovinaRealEstate.com

Buying and Selling, California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info

Five Ways to Come Up with a Down Payment

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

Coming up with a hefty down payment can be intimidating, but with a little work and ingenuity you can do it. Here are a few ideas for coming up with the needed cash:

1. Down-Payment Assistance Programs
Many states offer down-payment assistance programs. You must go through an application process and qualify based on income and credit, but if you do qualify, these programs are amazing. Typically you will receive a grant for the amount of your down payment; it’s basically free money from the government to encourage responsible citizens to buy their first home.

2. Try to Qualify for an FHA Loan
If you qualify, an FHA loan can make first-time home ownership much easier. FHA-backed loans typically offer more manageable down payments (as little as 3.5 percent compared to the 10-30 percent required for conventional home loans). These loans are subject to credit requirements but sometimes less stringent ones than other loans.

3. Help from Family
If your parents or other relatives are in a financial position to help you purchase your first home, they may be happy to do so. Approach the conversation with a gracious and humble mind frame and don’t expect a specific outcome. Emphasize that you are ready to become a homeowner and begin solidifying your financial future, but that you don’t have enough cash on hand for a down payment.

Perhaps you are planning to get married in the near future. Instead of asking your parents to help you pay for the wedding, ask for help with a down payment—a smaller, more modest wedding may be well worth becoming a homeowner. As long as the gift is less than $13,000 (or $26,000 for a couple), you shouldn’t have to pay income taxes on it, either.

4. Boost Your Income
Instead of looking at your current income and thinking that saving a chunk of money is impossible, ask yourself how you can earn more money. Options include freelancing on the side or getting a job on the weekends working retail or at a restaurant. No matter how you choose to boost your income, the main goal is to continue living on your old income while putting away any extra money.

5. Borrow from Your IRA
While taking out a loan from your retirement account is generally frowned upon and penalized with taxes and early-withdrawal fees, one exception is borrowing from your IRA specifically for a down payment on a house. If you qualify, you can borrow up to $10,000 penalty-free toward a real estate purchase.

Are you thinking about purchasing a home and looking for advice on where to start? Give me a call at (626) 252-0839,  we will sit down and draft out a plan for your specific situation, whether it be buying something this month or 6-12 months down the line, its important to have knowledge and tools available to you. Let me help! 

Are you wondering what your home would sell for in today’s market? Click HERE for a free estimate! 

For a more in depth consultation please contact us directly at (626) 252-0839

California Real Estate, How's the Market Snapshot, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values

How’s the Market??? Snapshot for June 2016- Real Estate Market Trends

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

Here is this month’s How’s the Market??? Snapshot. If you saw last month’s Snapshot you will notice that our local real estate trends show median prices are still creeping up, its just taking a little longer for homes to sell! If Hows the market imageyou would like more detailed information about how much your home is now worth after the Real Estate Crash, send me an email, text, or call me. I’ll be more than happy to provide you with a Free, no obligation report of what its worth and things you can do to improve the value of your home.
I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot June 27, 2016
Average List Price 30 Days Trend Median List Price 30 Days Trend Average DOM: active 30 Days Trend Number of Listings
Los Angeles County, CA
Single Family under $1M $603,548 1.46% $599,000 3.28% 61 0 7894
Single Family over $1M $3,418,896 -3.43% $1,990,000 -0.45% 82 1 6147
Condo/Townhome under $600K $399,871 1.20% $400,000 0.25% 56 -1 2101
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,161,368 -3.71% $888,000 -1.22% 59 1 1571
Riverside County, CA
Single Family under $500K $341,969 0.04% $349,000 0.03% 79 0 5655
Single Family over $500K $1,562,278 -1.81% $939,000 -0.95% 102 1 6359
Condo/Townhome under $300K $206,691 -0.43% $214,900 -0.05% 120 3 1035
Condo/Townhome over $300K $603,547 0.69% $499,000 0.81% 89 -2 1432
San Bernardino County, CA
Single Family under $500K $300,429 1.79% $299,900 0.30% 87 -1 4645
Single Family over $500K $1,671,680 -3.16% $975,000 -1.40% 88 0 4613
Condo/Townhome under $300K $197,325 -0.94% $219,800 2.23% 77 -2 223
Condo/Townhome over $300K $701,870 -4.00% $598,000 -4.32% 44 0 819
Orange County, CA
Single Family under $1M $781,130 0.21% $770,000 -0.76% 59 2 5238
Single Family over $1M $3,477,692 -1.67% $2,200,888 -4.10% 95 2 3224
Condo/Townhome under $600K $420,328 1.17% $429,000 0.94% 54 1 1485
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,004,403 -1.77% $799,900 -1.84% 61 3 1038
If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.
Sincerely,
Yesenia E. Ruvalcaba-Garcia, Broker
Realtor®/HUD REO & Listing Specialist
Direct (626) 252-0839
Office (626) 917-6200 ext. 14
Cell Phone (626) 252-0839
Fax (626) 209-8318
CalBRE License Number: 01293970
yeseniaruvalcaba@aol.com
newcenturybroker.com
New Century Realtors
California Real Estate, For Buyers, Helpful Info, How's the Market Snapshot, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values

How’s the Market??? Snapshot for May 2016- Real Estate Market Trends

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia
Here is this month’s How’s the Market??? Snapshot. If you saw last month’s Snapshot you will notice that our local real estate trends show median prices are still creeping up, its just taking a little longer for homes to sell! If Hows the market imageyou would like more detailed information about how much your home is now worth after the Real Estate Crash, send me an email, text, or call me. I’ll be more than happy to provide you with a Free, no obligation report of what its worth and things you can do to improve the value of your home.


I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date.

Housing Inventory Snapshot May 28, 2016
Average List Price 30 Days Trend Median List Price 30 Days Trend Average DOM: active 30 Days Trend Number of Listings
Los Angeles County, CA
Single Family under $1M $594,878 1.92% $580,000 1.93% 61 -2 7301
Single Family over $1M $3,540,466 -1.93% $1,999,000 -3.89% 81 -2 5624
Condo/Townhome under $600K $395,119 0.15% $399,000 0.00% 57 -2 1934
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,206,112 -2.46% $899,000 0.45% 57 -1 1470
Riverside County, CA
Single Family under $500K $341,816 0.81% $348,900 1.16% 79 -3 5584
Single Family over $500K $1,591,035 -0.58% $948,000 0.11% 101 0 6197
Condo/Townhome under $300K $207,583 1.19% $215,000 2.38% 117 1 1119
Condo/Townhome over $300K $599,431 5.38% $495,000 4.21% 91 -1 1455
San Bernardino County, CA
Single Family under $500K $295,148 0.42% $299,000 2.05% 88 -3 4428
Single Family over $500K $1,726,264 -2.59% $988,888 -0.96% 89 -1 4130
Condo/Townhome under $300K $199,206 1.79% $215,000 0.00% 79 -3 239
Condo/Townhome over $300K $731,085 6.36% $625,000 4.34% 44 1 726
Orange County, CA
Single Family under $1M $779,477 1.26% $775,900 1.44% 57 -3 4745
Single Family over $1M $3,536,817 0.38% $2,295,000 0.00% 93 1 3030
Condo/Townhome under $600K $415,469 1.55% $425,000 1.92% 53 -2 1342
Condo/Townhome over $600K $1,022,517 -0.96% $814,900 -0.83% 58 1 973
If you know someone who is considering buying or selling a home, please give me a call. I will provide professional & courteous service along with knowledgeable guidance through the process.
Sincerely,
Yesenia E. Ruvalcaba-Garcia, Broker
Realtor®/HUD REO & Listing Specialist
Direct (626) 252-0839
Office (626) 917-6200 ext. 14
Cell Phone (626) 252-0839
Fax (626) 209-8318
CalBRE License Number: 01293970
yeseniaruvalcaba@aol.com
newcenturybroker.com
New Century Realtors
California Real Estate, How's the Market Snapshot, Market Snapshot

The National Housing Market: Low Inventory, Higher Prices

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

Every major region of the country saw existing-home sales climb in March. The large gains posted in the Northeast and Midwest helped sales climb 1.5 percent higher than a year ago. Buyers in these regions overcame inventory woes and affordability issues to make their home purchases. On the supply side, there were 1.98 million existing homes for sale at the end of March; at the current sales pace, this represents a 4.5-month supply. Inventory was 5.9 percent higher than a month ago but 1.5 percent lower than a year ago, when housing inventory stood at 2.01 million. This lack of inventory helped drive home prices up. In March, the median existing-home price for all housing types reached $222,700, a rise of 5.7 percent year over year. For the past 49 consecutive months, median prices have seen year-over-year gains, making home affordability a growing concern for buyers.

The Starter Market
First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of all buyers in March, a figure that is unchanged from both a month ago and a year ago. For all of 2015, the share of first-time buyers in the market was also at 30 percent. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, “With rents steadily rising and average fixed rates well below 4 percent, qualified first-time buyers should be more active participants than what they are right now.” Unfortunately, the same barriers to market entry that stymied first-time buyers in the past are still in place—affordability issues and low availability of starter homes on the market.

The Money-Making Market
Investors are another group who managed to maintain their share of the housing market. All-cash sales remained the same from February to March, accounting for 25 percent of all transactions, up 1 percent from a year ago. Individual investors are behind many of the all-cash sales; in March, 66 percent of them paid for their investments with cash. Of all the homes sold in March, 14 percent were purchased by individual investors, a 4 percent decline from a month ago but unchanged from a year ago.

Regional Home Sales

Northeast: Existing-home sales’ annual rate: 700,000, an increase of 11.1 percent. Sales are 7.7 percent higher than March 2015.

Midwest: Existing-home sales’ annual rate: 1.23 million, an increase of 9.8 percent. Sales are 0.8 percent higher than March 2015.

South: Existing-home sales’ annual rate: 2.25 million, an increase of 2.7 percent. Sales are 2.3 percent higher than March 2015.

West: Existing-home sales’ annual rate: 1.15 million, an increase of 1.8 percent. Sales are 2.5 percent lower than March 2015.

1-626-252-0839 Sell While the Market is HOTT!  What’s Your Home Worth? Find out Now! 

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, chances are that you’re excited about the possibility of moving and starting a new chapter of your life. Simply deciding to sell your home isn’t enough, though. The process of putting your home on the market can be overwhelming and time-consuming, so before you try to sell your property, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Being honest with yourself and with the people around you will help you have a more positive selling experience when you’re ready to move. 

California Real Estate, For Buyers, Home Sellers, Market Snapshot, Real estate Market, Real Estate Values, Sellers

Small Gains in the National Housing Market

Yesenia Ruvalcaba-Garcia

Freddie Mac’s Multi-Indicator Market Index (MiMi) analyzes home-purchase applications, payment-to-income ratios, employment figures, and the number of on-time mortgage payments in markets across the country to determine the stability of the housing market. All of these indicators point to a slight improvement in the housing market as it heads into the busy spring season. January’s national MiMi value reached 82.7; while this isn’t as impressive as the all-time high MiMi value of 121.7, it is still a 40 percent improvement over the MiMi’s all-time low back in October 2010. January’s MiMi saw a three-month increase of 1.46 percent. Year-over-year values showed greater gains, with a 7.57 percent climb.

National Pending Home Sales
The Pending Home Sales Index, an indicator based on contract signings, reached 109.1 in February, a 3.5 percent increase from the downwardly revised 105.4 in January. This is a 0.7 percent improvement from February 2015’s index of 108.3. The index has seen year-over-year gains for the past 18 months, yet this last gain was the smallest of the lot.

Regional Pending Home Sales
In the Northeast, the Pending Home Sales Index fell 0.2 percent; it is still 12.6 percent higher than February 2015. The Midwest saw the index climb an impressive 11.4 percent month over month and 2.5 percent year over year. The index rose 2.1 percent and 0.7 percent in the South and the West, respectively. Compared to February 2015, the index dropped 0.4 percent in the South and 6.2 percent in the West.?

Future Predictions
Economists with the National Association of Realtors predict that existing-home sales will reach 5.38 million this year—up 2.4 percent from 2015. The national median existing-home price should also climb between 4 and 5 percent. In comparison, 2015 saw existing-home sales rise 6.3 percent, with home prices increasing 6.8 percent.

1-626-252-0839 Sell While the Market is HOTT!

What’s Your Home Worth? Find out Now!

 

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, chances are that you’re excited about the possibility of moving and starting a new chapter of your life. Simply deciding to sell your home isn’t enough, though. The process of putting your home on the market can be overwhelming and time-consuming, so before you try to sell your property, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Being honest with yourself and with the people around you will help you have a more positive selling experience when you’re ready to move.