Don't Wait Until The Spring Or Summer To List Your Home

Planning to sell your home this year?  Most people know that spring and summer are considered high season in real estate and it is an excellent time to sell.  That said, you may not want to wait and may want to list before then.  Why???  Because, you will have more competition for one thing.  Many people are probably aware that we have been experiencing record low inventory for a couple years now.  So, yes, it is definitely a perfect time to sell regardless.  And, there is no shortage of buyers ready to purchase your home.  Still, waiting until the time that most other sellers list their homes can possibly keep you from getting, higher traffic, potential multiple offers, higher offers and just overall less interest in your property.....because of the increased competition during high season.  There are buyers out there that need to move right now and can't wait until spring or summer.  Not sure your home is ready to list?  Contact me to come and look at your property so I can provide you advice on getting it ready....both inside and out.  If selling your home in 2018 is one of your new year's resolutions, contact me to find out how I can help you get it done.

Why work with an agent at a boutique brokerage?  Boutique companies pride themselves on catering to clientele who are looking for something different. We offer a more personal, one on one experience where the client’s desires and preferences are carefully understood and acted upon. The national real estate market is evolving, boutique firms are enjoying a resurgence across the country while rapidly expanding market share…why?

Advantages of boutique firms vs. big box real estate corporations:

• Small staff of experienced professionals 
• Specialize in superior  “white glove” customer service
• Wholly committed to protecting the safety of clients information and possessions
• Specialize in marketing for a smaller client base
• Highly skilled in technology and social media marketing
• Strive to forge strong relationships with clients
• Always cognizant of the importance of the client’s time
• Higher level of repeat customers and referrals
• Proud sponsors of local charities

Let's list your property before there's a lot more competition!  I can advise you on every step of the process of getting your home sold.  Need to take care of some repairs or remodeling beforehand, I can help with coordinating anything that seems overwhelming right now.  Something else unique about our brokerage, we provide services before and after the actual sales transaction, if needed.  Call and/or text me at 805.490.4944 and/or you can email me at yglesias75@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you and helping you every step of the way.

Levesque Realty, 25 years of experience serving both buyers and sellers of real estate in the Conejo Valley and all surrounding areas within Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

A Blockchain Future? Cryptocurrencies Gaining Traction in Real Estate Industry

Bitcoin started out as blockchain technology with an innovative ideology for a more secure monetary future, and is now taking hold in the real estate world. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, although not yet mainstream, show promise in an industry that typically prioritizes buyers who can provide secure funds for a property in a short amount of time.

Widely misunderstood, cryptocurrencies work through blockchain technology that creates a linear series of blocks of code, which are then used to create a record of each transaction and its access point. The technology uses unique access codes that can be used from nearly anywhere in order to share data in a transaction. Essentially, Bitcoin and other forms of blockchain currencies cut out a central authority, using varying individuals to authorize the payment in order to ensure an impartial and secure transaction.

Some alternative blockchain currencies have wavered in price steadiness, but Bitcoin has consistently gained since its initial unveiling in 2009. Bitcoin’s value skyrocketed to nearly $20 thousand between July and December, and has now leveled off to around $16 thousand.

Bitcoin boasts the following advantages (on its website):

• Freedom to make or receive payments from anywhere in the world and at any time
• Fees are not tied to the transfer amount and can be chosen at the discretion of the user.
• Transactions are more secure because they do not contain sensitive customer information.
• Users can protect their funds with added backup methods and encryptions.
• The Bitcoin supply is transparent and cannot be manipulated because it is cryptographically secure.

More and more real estate businesses related to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are beginning to form. One, the International Blockchain Real Estate Association, is a trade organization that was founded in 2013 and implements blockchain in real estate. The association states that using cryptocurrencies in a real estate transaction can “reduce costs, stamp out fraud, speed up transactions, increase financial privacy, internationalize markets and make real estate a liquid asset,” according to its website.

But the technology is not without its vulnerabilities. While the unique codes provide some measure of security, they alone cannot prevent cyber fraud. Just last month, a Youbit heist in North Korea made international headlines as one occurrence in a series of events to try and steal from cryptocurrency exchanges and individual investors. Even Bitcoin is aware of its own challenges; its website cites that the degree of acceptance is low, currency volatility is an issue and the software is still undergoing development in order to make it more secure and accessible to the masses.

Bitcoin also needs to compete against multiple popular cryptocurrencies if it wants to stay on top. Here are the biggest contenders:

• Ethereum
• Ripple
• Litecoin
• Dash: Digital+ cash
• NEM
• Monero
• Zcash

While some luxury homes are listed with a Bitcoin price tag, the industry is seeing a lot more rental opportunities welcoming the blockchain technology. For example, ManageGo is a New York-based company that allows renters to pay with virtual currency—whether that be Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin—all from an app. With this technology, landlords can eliminate the chance of bounced checks and receive funds by the next day. The app also works as an all-in-one support platform that allows renters to create and track maintenance requests. This is a way to attract renters that may be unsure about paying with Bitcoin, but now have the bonus of timely building maintenance and support to convince them.

Additionally, while buyers, especially home investors, are more willing to invest their cash in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, sellers are wary of accepting a form of payment they are unfamiliar with. Many online marketplaces, such as Overstock.com, Namecheap and Reddit, are now accepting Bitcoin purchases, but it is not yet widespread enough to become a regularly accepted form of payment in a real estate transaction. Most agents are also unfamiliar with blockchain technology, and may decide to forgo working with sellers or buyers who say Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are the only payment method they will use.

As Bitcoin gains popularity, and, if more businesses begin to accept it as standard purchasing power, only then will the real estate industry begin to really consider the technology. Its use may also largely depend on location. Will it be used at the national level, or will it be relied on mainly for international transactions in order to avoid other volatile currencies?

Liz Dominguez is RISMedia’s associate content editor. Email her your real estate news ideas atldominguez@rismedia.com. For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.

Zillow: Gains in Housing Now Make It Worth $31.8 Trillion

A banner year.

Another $2 trillion was added to the housing market in 2017, brought to a collective $31.8 trillion, according to a recently released report by Zillow. On an annual basis, home values increased 6.5 percent last year; values last expanded at a faster pace—8 percent—in 2013.

The additional $2 trillion, put another way, doubles Apple’s recent $900 billion valuation.

“This was a record year for home values, as the national housing stock reached record heights in 2017,” says Aaron Terrazas, senior economist at Zillow. “Strong demand from buyers and the ongoing inventory shortage keep pushing values higher, especially in some of the nation’s booming coastal markets.”

Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco were the most valuable major markets last year, at $2.7 trillion, $2.6 trillion and $1.4 trillion, respectively. No other exceeded $1 trillion. Columbus, Ohio, grew at the quickest pace, 15.1 percent, followed by San Jose, Calif., at 13.5 percent, Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, at 12.3 percent, Seattle, Wash., at 11.7 percent, and Tampa, Fla., at 11.3 percent.

More than $485 billion, meanwhile, was spent on rent in 2017, the report shows. The figure is a 1 percent, or $4.9 billion, increase from 2016.

“Renters spent more than ever on rent this year, but the amount they spent grew at the slowest pace in recent years as more renters transitioned into homeownership and new rental supply slowed rent growth across the country,” Terrazas says.

According to Terrazas, housing this year is likely to maintain the status quo, even with changes to the tax code.

“Despite recent changes to federal tax laws that have historically made homeownership financially attractive, the long-term dynamics pushing up home values and rents are unlikely to change significantly in 2018,” Terrazas says.

For more information, please visit www.zillow.com.

Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s online news editor. Email her your real estate news ideas atsdevita@rismedia.com.

For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.

How to Find Your Perfect Neighborhood

If you’re shopping for a new place, you may find the perfect home—but remember, you also need to consider the neighborhood to make sure the community and location are right for you.

For those with children, the neighborhood’s school district may be at the top of your priority list. Check out the public-school ratings, or if you plan on sending your kids to private school, look at the pricing and make sure it’s something you can afford.

It’s also a good idea to look at nearby parks and community centers to check out what type of recreational activities are available for children. Most kids are going to want to play a sport or be involved in an extracurricular activity, so make sure that your potential community offers them.

Are you someone who can’t survive without their daily Starbucks coffee or are you an organic shopper who has a certain store they must shop at? Check your GPS to see how far your favorite locations are from the potential home. While you’re at it, look at local restaurants and read the reviews on Yelp to see where you might be getting that Friday night pizza or where to go for a romantic night out.

Don’t forget to look at how far your new home will be from work and where the nearest public transportation is located if you need that option. And as for train stations, make sure they offer parking spaces—many places are so crowded there is a waiting list. If you do drive, you’ll want to understand the traffic patterns to and from your job. You won’t want to waste half your day in traffic.

Take a gander at the living conditions of the neighborhood. Do you see a lot of fences and “Keep Out” signs? Are there many kids on the block? Do people walk their dogs on the street? Are there posted neighborhood events? Visit on a weekend day to say hello to some of the residents and ask about the neighborhood before putting in an offer.

You’ll also need to learn if your potential new home is part of a neighborhood association and if your community has lawn or construction restrictions. If so, what fees are involved? The last thing you want is to find out you can’t put those holiday decorations up because of a strict town ordinance.

Some people may want to live in a historic neighborhood with a lot of character, while others may want a newer development with more modern features. Everyone is different and you need to make sure that your perfect house is in a neighborhood that meets your needs.

New Year, New Home, Thinking About Moving Up In 2018?

It's 2018!  Is this the year that you are going to move up into your dream home?  If so, start the year off with listing your current home.  We are here for all of your real estate needs. We can get your current home sold and find you your dream home.  It is an honor and privilege to serve you.  We represent clients in both Ventura and Los Angeles counties.  Call us today to find out about all of our services.

2018 Design Forecast: Color Me Purple

The color of 2018 is no shrinking violet.

Pantone, the authority in color for design, fashion and more, recently debuted its 2018 Color of the Year: "Ultra Violet." The color—"dramatically provocative and thoughtful," according to the company—is cool and cosmic, with an otherworldly vibe.

Image Credit: Pantone

"We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come."

Related: How Does the Color of Your Home Affect Buyers?

At home, the hue can be incorporated sparingly or as a statement, from artwork to furniture to walls.

By many measures, the latter part of Roy G. Biv will reign supreme in 2018. Experts at the Paint Quality Institute (PQI) are forecasting rich, spirited tones, including deep blues and purples, while paint providers Dunn-Edwards, Pratt & Lambert and Sherwin-Williams are predicting a blue-green range of shades:

"The Green Hour"

Image Credit: Dunn-Edwards

"Heron"

Image Credit: Pratt & Lambert

"Oceanside"

Image Credit: Sherwin-Williams

How will you add the 2018 colors of the year to your home?

Posted on Dec 15 2017 - 1:27pm by Suzanne De Vita

Pending Home Sales Inch Up 0.2 Percent in November

Pending home sales were mostly unmoved in November, inching up 0.2 percent in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI). The PHSI posted 109.5 in November, up from 109.3 in October. The Index is based on contract signings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says contract signings mustered a small gain in November and were up annually for the first time since June. “The housing market is closing the year on a stronger note than earlier this summer, backed by solid job creation and an economy that has kicked into a higher gear,” he said. “However, new buyers coming into the market are finding out quickly that their options are limited and competition is robust. Realtors® say many would-be buyers from earlier this year, stifled by tight supply and higher prices, are still trying to buy a home.”

The PHSI in the Northeast jumped 4.1 percent to 98.9 in November, and is now 1.1 percent above a year ago. In the Midwest the index rose 0.4 percent to 105.8 in November, and is now 0.8 percent higher than November 2016.

Pending home sales in the South decreased 0.4 percent to an index of 123.1 in November but are still 2.5 percent higher than last November. The index in the West declined 1.8 percent in November to 100.4, and is now 2.3 percent below a year ago.

Yun forecasts for existing-home sales to finish 2017 at around 5.54 million, which is an increase of 1.7 percent from 2016 (5.45 million). The national median existing-home price this year is expected to increase around 6 percent. In 2018, Yun anticipates essentially no change (a decline of 0.4 percent) in existing sales (5.52 million), and price growth to moderate to around 2 percent.

One of the biggest questions heading into 2018, according to Yun, is if the depressed levels of available supply can improve enough to slow price growth and make buying a home more affordable. While last month’s significant boost in existing sales was noteworthy, it did come with some concerns. Sales prices were up 5.8 percent – more than double wage growth – and the 3.4-month supply of homes on the market was the lowest since NAR began tracking in 1999.

“The strengthening economy, and expectation that more millennials will want to buy, serve as promising signs for solid homebuying demand next year, while also putting additional pressure on inventory levels and affordability,” said Yun. “Sales do have room for growth in most areas, but nationally, overall activity could be slightly negative. Markets with high home prices and property taxes will likely feel some impact from the reduced tax benefits of owning a home.”

For more information, please visit www.nar.realtor.

For the latest real estate news and trends, bookmark RISMedia.com.

Listings 101: Breaking Down Selling Terminology

First-time home-buyers are usually the clients that have the most questions, but being on the other end of a sale can be challenging as well. Often misunderstood are the different options for selling a home.

While many assume consumers simply tell their agents when they’re ready to sell, and then the home is listed on the market, there are several terms that you should know to ensure you are listing correctly.

Exclusive Right to Sell
With this contract, the seller cannot list the property with any other agent and must pay the agent’s commission even if someone else finds a buyer. Even if a friend of yours decides to buy your home, the listing agent will still earn the sales commission. If another cooperating agent is involved, the commission is typically split between the agents. The normal contract length for this is about three to four months.

Open Listing
Similar in many respects to a For Sale by Owner listing, this means you are willing to work with real estate agents who want to show the home in an attempt to earn a commission. The difference is there is no exclusivity and you can give the listing to as many agents as you desire. No commission is owed if you find a buyer on your own, without any agent’s help. Agents often shy away from this type of listing because the seller can either sell the home alone or withdraw the listing without notice, and it’s not worth their time and effort unless they see the property as being unique.

Multiple Listing
When you sell your home with an agent, it will be listed on a free multiple listing service that distributes your property information, photos and videos to other agents. Most MLS listings are also available on the internet, allowing homebuyers to research what’s for sale on their own—although these are typically not as accurate or regularly updated. MLS members can submit exclusive agency and exclusive right to sell listings to the local MLS.

One-Time Show
This is similar to an open listing and is often used by real estate agents who are showing a For Sale by Owner to one of their clients. The home seller signs the agreement, which identifies the potential buyer and guarantees the agent a commission should that buyer purchase the home. This keeps the two parties from negotiating later and trying to avoid paying the agent’s commission. As with an open listing, agents will not be spending money on marketing your home and it will not be placed in the Multiple Listing System.

Pocket Listing
If you are a high-profile seller who doesn’t want to list on the MLS, this is a private way to get your home seen. Agents will show the home only to those who they work directly with and who are good candidates to buy.

Buying a Home When Your Spouse Has Poor Credit

Buying a home on two incomes can be difficult enough, and it can be even more demanding if one spouse has poor credit.

A poor credit score can make it difficult to qualify for a mortgage and can lead to a higher interest rate on a home loan. A spouse with poor credit could be left off the loan application entirely, requiring the other person to have a high credit score and a high enough income to afford the loan on their own.

If a spouse with poor credit does qualify for a loan, the lender could require a bigger down payment on the house.

FHA loans, for example, which are backed by the federal government, require a 10 percent down payment with a FICO credit score lower than 580, while a credit score above 580 only requires a 3.5 percent down payment.

A credit score is just part of the financial background a lender looks into. Income and a debt-to-income ratio are also considered, though a high income by itself won’t overcome a poor credit score.

Credit scores range from 500 to 850. A low score of 650 can be a predictor of making late loan payments, while a 550 score means you’re not likely to pay at all.

A couple’s credit scores aren’t averaged together in a home loan application. Lenders will use the lower of the two credit scores. If a husband has a 620 score and the wife has 700, then the lower score will be used in the mortgage application and an interest rate of three-eighths to half a point higher will be charged.

Options for those with poor credit

There are ways to get around one spouse having a low credit score. In the above example, the wife with the 700 credit score can get a home loan if she qualifies on her own.

Both spouses should be listed on the home’s title or deed, but only she would be listed as the borrower. The husband’s name could be added to the deed later when his credit score improves.

Buying a home on one income, however, can be difficult. The best solution is to improve the lower credit score, something that should be done months before applying for a loan.

Just a 10-point credit score improvement by paying down credit cards could be enough to get a better interest rate and can be done quickly.

Even minor credit improvements can take 30 days or more to fix, such as closing all but one credit card. Most fixes can take three to four months to show up on a credit report, so repairs should be made before applying for a loan.

Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who specializes in personal finance topics.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Neighborhood

Shopping for a home is just one part of the home-buying process. Finding the right neighborhood can be just as extensive as a home search, and can be more important, in some ways.

Some characteristics of a neighborhood can make a home a much better place to live in. Here are some to look for:

Follow Your Demographics
A single professional might enjoy a downtown condo with a busy nightlife than a family with small children would. Start your home search by looking for a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and where you are in life.

Do you want a mix of ages in an older neighborhood, or are you nearing retirement and want to live in an area around more people your age?

Well-Maintained
Are homeowners busy on the weekend taking care of their yards? Do the homes look properly maintained from the outside, with no trash or weeds blocking entrances? Do the homes look like they’re in good shape (at least from the outside) on first inspection?

The more people in a neighborhood who take pride in their homes, the more likely they are to keep things looking good.

Outdoor Activities
Does the area have sidewalks for walking and bike paths? Are you near parks or other recreation areas, such as swim clubs and golf courses, so you can easily get outside?

The closer outdoor activities are, the more likely you are to use them.

Shopping and Restaurants
If good restaurants and at least one grocery store and other types of stores are within walking distance of your neighborhood, you’ll probably enjoy living there more.

The same goes for movie theaters, bars and a post office. They’re conveniences you’ll enjoy, but be aware that they could attract visitors and more traffic.

Low Crime
Check with the police department for the crime rate in a neighborhood you’re considering. If crime rates are dropping, it can be a sign that an area’s moving up and that police and residents are doing something about it.

Top Schools
If you have children, or might in the next few years, then a great school that’s nearby is a top selling point.

Even if you don’t plan on having children, a home in an excellent school district can be a strong value-add if you ever sell your home. Good schools often help property values rise.

Whatever your needs are in a home, start your home search by looking for neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle. From there, finding a home should be a lot easier.

I hope you found this helpful. Contact me for more home and real estate insights and info.

Top Places to Purchase a Winter Home

Winter is here, the holidays are approaching and for those of us in the market for a winter home, the research has begun. Looking for a second home is no easy undertaking and shouldn't be taken lightly. Chances are you want to find a place that isn't close to where you currently live, which translates to even more research than you likely did when you bought that house in your hometown or your college town.

With that in mind, RewardExpert turned to data and compiled a list of the best areas in the country to purchase a winter home. Each of these places was judged on the following criteria: Real Estate and Economy, Attractions and Amenities, Transportation Infrastructure, and Hazards to Property and Person.

Broken up by geographical region, here are the best places to buy a winter home:

Northeast: Finger Lakes Region/Schuyler County, N.Y.

• The Finger Lakes Region scored extremely high marks for its large number of breweries, wineries and fine restaurants.
• If you like cities, this area has a wealth of beautiful architecture, but its real gem is the surrounding nature. Popular activities include fishing, boating and hiking.

South Atlantic: Franklin County/Apalachicola, Fla.

• If you want a winter getaway in the sun, there aren't many better options than Franklin County, the least populated county in Florida.
• This area gives residents that "Old Florida" experience without breaking your budget. Although real estate prices have increased 10 percent over the past 12 months, Franklin County is still far more affordable than much of Florida.

Midwest: Houghton County and City, Mich.

• Located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Houghton County is a world away from Detroit and Grand Rapids. If exciting winter activities like snowmobiling and skiing are your cup of tea, this may be the area for you.
• Houghton is one of the snowiest cities in all of the U.S., and each February the city holds a Winter Carnival.

South Central: Taos, N.M.

• Another sunny getaway, Taos is a bit more expensive than most other towns on this list because of the flourishing tourism industry in the surrounding area.
• Aside from unique activities like hot air ballooning, Taos also offers a vibrant arts scene.

Mountain West: Grand County/Moab, Utah

• Grand County and the city of Moab have just recently exploded onto the scene. Vacation homes in this area are red-hot and the property values have unsurprisingly jumped up 11.4 percent in the last year.
• With thousands of square miles of public land to rock climb, mountain bike and hike, there is no more perfect area for the outdoor lover.

Pacific West: Hood River and Wasco Counties/Hood River-The Dalles, Ore.

• Tied for the Pacific West region are Hood River and Wasco Counties, both of which scored high marks for affordability. Homes here go for less than two-thirds the price of those in neighboring Multnomah County.
• Wasco County is noted for its "coolness" and surrounding wineries and ski attractions.

For the comprehensive list and full breakdown of ratings, visit RewardExpert.

Posted on Dec 7 2017 - 3:07pm by Jameson Doris