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To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

March 4, 2013 – Price and proximity to work are key concerns for first-time home buyers, while trade-up buyers tend to be most focused on the design of the home and the neighborhood, according to “Characteristics of Home Buyers,” an analysis of the recently released 2011 American Housing Survey (AHS) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The biennial survey, which is conducted in odd-numbered years by the Census Bureau, covers about 6.8 million home sales that occurred in 2009 and 2010. NAHB’s analysis additionally compares the homes that buyers purchased with what they say they want using results from “What Home Buyers Really Want,” a new consumer preference survey published by the association.

“Among first-time home buyers, price was the most frequently cited reason for selecting a particular house, with a 38 percent share. At 30 percent, proximity to work was the most frequently cited reason for choosing a specific neighborhood,” said David Crowe, NAHB’s chief economist.

“The majority of trade-up buyers (36 percent) cited the design of the home as the primary reason for selecting a particular house, with 28 percent citing the looks and design of the community as the reason for choosing a specific neighborhood.”

More than 90 percent of the sales reported in the 2011 AHS were existing homes, a significant increase from previous years. “Sales of new homes were very low in 2009 and 2010 due to the unique circumstances surrounding the Great Recession and the housing market crisis. We expect that situation to turn around as the housing market recovery takes hold,” said Crowe. “More than half (55 percent) of the people surveyed for “What Home Buyers Really Want,” NAHB’s consumer preferences study, said they would prefer to purchase a new home rather than an existing home.”

There’s good reason for that preference. New homes provide buyers the opportunity to choose finishes, fixtures, flooring and more. And they are apt to have the other elements that buyers want including open design, up-to-the-minute kitchens and baths, and features such as a laundry room and walk-in pantry that help with organization and storage.

There is also growing interest in single-story homes, and energy efficiency continues to be a concern. In fact, nine out of ten buyers surveyed would prefer to purchase a home with energy-efficient features and permanently lower utility bills rather than to buy a home without those features that costs two to three percent less.

New homes today definitely fit that description, and as a group are the most energy- and resource-efficient homes ever built.

Increasing numbers of homes nationwide are being constructed to the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS), which is the only residential green building rating system approved by ANSI as an American National Standard. These homes have lower operating costs due to cost-effective energy and water efficiency practices and the use of lower maintenance materials.

Additional NAHB analysis of information from the 2011 AHS shows that energy costs are about 10 percent lower in new homes, even though new homes tend to be larger.  The average annual cost of energy was $2,478 for all single-family homes and $2,240 for those built after 2008, which were new when the information was compiled. Average maintenance costs were 56 percent lower for new homes. Average annual maintenance costs for homes built after 2008 were $241 compared to $547 for all single-family homes.

“No matter what their preference for location or style, financially qualified buyers are likely to find a new home with the features they most want,” said Crowe. “The housing market is strengthening in most areas of the country, and home builders are eager to help buyers achieve or further their homeownership goals.”

The Characteristics of Home Buyers report is available to the public as a courtesy of NAHB’s HousingEconomics.com, the online economics information source for America’s housing industry.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

The housing recovery is expected to grow at an annualized rate 0.6 percent through the third quarter of this year, then gain momentum and prices are projected to grow 3.7 percent between the third quarters of 2013 and 2014 until settling down to 3.3 percent annual increases over the next three years according to Fiserv, a financial services technology provider using data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

Both home prices and home sales volumes increased steadily last year, making 2012 the first positive year for both prices and sales since the housing market crash, excluding gains induced by the home buyer tax credits in 2009 and 2010.

“Although some recent real estate activity has been speculative, it seems as if buyers have more realistic expectations about housing market returns after having lived through the largest housing market crash in U.S. history”

“2012 was the first year since 1997 that the housing market has resembled something recognizable as normal. For the past 15 years, home price changes and sales volumes have either been boosted by a bubble mentality or crushed by crash psychology,” said David Stiff, chief economist, Fiserv. “Back in 1997, housing prices grew 3 percent, just below the 5 percent long-term average rate of appreciation. From 1998 to 2006, prices appreciated at levels above 5 percent, with double-digit price increases in many of those years. Then, after 2006, the market collapsed as euphoria turned to panic. It took until the end of 2011 before housing markets finally started to stabilize. The latest Case-Shiller results show a return to a historically normal pace of price appreciation in the last year.”

The recovery in home prices has been solid and broad-based. At the end of the 2012 third quarter, prices were rising in approximately 62 percent of all U.S. metro areas, compared to 12.5 percent in the same period a year ago. Average U.S. home prices increased 3.6 percent from the third quarter of 2011 to the comparable period of 2012. Many of the metro areas that suffered the most severe declines during the housing market crash enjoyed the highest price increases in that period.

Fiserv Case-Shiller projects that by the end of 2013, home prices will be rising in nearly every metro area in the U.S. Some markets may experience short-term double-digit price jumps that could be partially reversed by price declines as large tranches of bank-owned inventory (REO) are liquidated. In other markets, price appreciation will slowly return to normal rates as home buyers regain confidence that the market has found its footing.

Stiff cautioned that the parallels to previous years should not be overstated. Unlike in 1997, there are millions of homes with delinquent mortgages, in the foreclosure process, or in REO inventories listed for sale or waiting to be sold. But many trends are positive. With both prices and mortgage payments at historic lows relative to income, Fiserv Case-Shiller expects stronger demand for housing, and the sector once again having a positive impact on the economy.

“The number of new housing units being built per household is near a record low. As momentum in the housing market builds, we will see the residential real estate sector once again make large contributions to the economic recovery. If residential investment – which encompasses all direct spending on residential real estate construction and activity – returns to its 1997 level over the next two years, then housing will boost overall economic growth by 0.5 percentage points in 2013 and 2014,” Stiff continued.

“In all of the bubble-crash markets, foreclosures will have a persistent but diminishing drag on price appreciation. Since the timing of the disposition of foreclosed properties can be highly uncertain, we will witness choppy price movements as individual metro markets stabilize. For example, in late 2011, prices in Atlanta dropped sharply because of a substantial jump in REO sales, and it is possible that we will see similar, temporary price declines in other markets as subsiding waves of foreclosed properties buffet these markets. In other markets, investor demand is quickly absorbing listed REO properties, and as a result, foreclosures are no longer pulling home prices downward,” Stiff said/

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

Report highlights include:

• February’s home prices are up 6.1% over the year.
• Quarterly price trends at the national and regional levels show moderate improvement over the typically slow winter season.
• 11 of 15 of the lowest performing major metro markets saw quarterly price trends in February give way to minor losses.
• Contact Alanna Harter for your February 2013 file of the Top 30 MSAs.

“While February’s yearly growth of 6.1% is encouraging, let’s keep in mind this rate of growth is measured against the market’s bottom, which we reported in our March 2012 Market Report,” said Dr. Alex Villacorta, director of research and analytics at Clear Capital. “Consumer confidence continues to be vital to a broader housing recovery, and national quarterly home prices expanding 1.0% in the midst of winter is confirmation the recovery has legs. While 1.0% is weaker in comparison to more recent rates of quarterly growth, the positive trend continues to support homebuyer confidence and is on par with the new normal.

Recent updates on the regulatory front could also build momentum in the housing revival. The Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule gives lenders more definition on extending credit to homebuyers, who continue to be encouraged by positive economic signs. The real question now is how many of those sidelined borrowers will qualify for a loan under the new rules. All told, February’s home data shows the housing recovery is on track.”

February Quarterly Trends: Prices remain mostly unchanged. Will slow and steady win the race?

National and regional home price trends remained stable and nearly flat in February, as prices continued to hold their ground over the slow winter months. National quarterly growth of 1.0% was supported by quarterly growth of 2.1%, 0.4%, 0.7%, and 0.8% in the West, Midwest, Northeast, and South, respectively.

While the West continued to lead the recovery, the Midwest, Northeast, and South’s quarterly home prices remained flat over January. While these trends are modest in comparison to the aggressive rates of appreciation the market saw during the run-up, they do make an impression on consumers. By not dropping during the slow winter season, small quarterly growth could encourage consumers to re-engage in the housing market.

February Yearly Trends: Strongest national growth since August 2010.

National yearly growth of 6.1% in February marked the strongest yearly gains since August 2010 when the Homebuyer Tax Credit was boosting demand. While current home prices have improved notably over last year, gains are expected to moderate over the short term, as current yearly gains are measured against the market lows in 2012.

Each region, like the nation, experienced stronger yearly home price gains, compared to last month’s trends. The West, fueled by progress in markets like Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sacramento, was the only region to post double digit gains at 13.6%.

While many of the strongest metro housing markets reside in the West, the Midwest, Northeast, and South each made noteworthy progress in February. Yearly home price gains of 4.0%, 2.6%, and 5.1%, respectively, are significant in their own right. These incremental gains may continue to fuel consumer confidence as rising home prices throughout the winter season build more trust in a sustained housing recovery.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

Given all the tools the Internet and modern innovation make available to consumers in general, some may wonder whether they truly need an agent to help sell their home. If having doubts, homeowners looking to sell should consider what a professional brings to the table.

For starters, MSN Real Estate notes real estate agents are familiar with all the federal, state and local laws, regulations and codes which can affect the sales process. While it is possible for consumers to learn this information, it is time-consuming and difficult. If a mistake creeps into the transaction, it can result in serious legal consequences and financial costs.

Contacts and price

Homes are the most expensive asset most people ever own, and the process of selling one involves a number of professionals. If the home buyer has an agent but the seller does not, then the seller may find himself at a disadvantage due to his or her relative lack of experience. Sellers may have to deal with lenders, contractors, inspectors, appraisers, lawyers and more, depending on the specific location and circumstances. Real estate agents know where to find competent professionals and how to deal with them.

According to U.S. News and World Report, professionals can help by sorting potential home buyers and ensuring they are qualified and able to afford a home to avoid wasting the sellers’ time. While some home sellers think there is a potential for profit by avoiding the agent’s fee, the truth is that many end up signing with a broker after months of searching for a home buyer. Those who do sell may find their price lowered to the point that they have gained nothing.

What agents can do

An agent knows not only real estate in general, but the local market in particular. He or she can access and interpret data on current market trends, recent sales nearby and all the other factors which affect price. This allows a competitive price to be set, and means having an experienced, informed advisor on hand during negotiations later.

Of course, advertising and negotiation are the beginning and end of the process, and the middle is also important. An agent can provide tips on how to prepare a home for prospective buyer walk-throughs, decorations, repairs and any other steps that should be taken. It may be wisest to perform some actions before putting the home on the market, before a buyer visit, or before closing. Agents are professional guides who can help sellers determine who to contact, what to do. They can also explain when and how to execute steps of the process, which are difficult details for the inexperienced to fill in.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

Over at Yahoo! Finance, the headline for one of the most popular articles screams, “Housing Already Shows Signs of a New Bubble.” The exact same sentiment is being shouted from the rooftops at Forbes, too: “Home Builders Could Become Heartbreakers Again.” We’re less than one year into a legitimate recovery in prices, and already the pundits can’t help but sound the alarm about another possible “bubble”? Give me a break! Forget Rodney Dangerfield, the residential real estate rebound gets “no respect.” Don’t worry. We’re nowhere close to another peak. Nor has the profit potential for housing-related investments suddenly vanished. Here are 10 hard facts to prove it…

1. Too Far, Too Fast? Nope!

Housing market bears point to the meteoric rise of homebuilding stocks as proof that the recovery has been too robust, too soon.

The S&P 1500 Homebuilder group is up 170% since hitting a low in August 2011. In the last year alone, many individual homebuilder stocks, like KB Home (KBH), PulteGroup Inc. (PHM) and Ryland Group (RYL), doubled in price.

As Bespoke Investment Group aptly points out, though, “Remember that ‘too far, too fast’ is relative.” And, in this case, short-term relativity can be deceiving. It turns out that the S&P 1500 Homebuilder group is still down 55% from its 2005 high, despite the impressive run-up over the last 18 months. Too far, too fast? I don’t think so!

2. Peak Activity? Nope!

Actual homebuilding and sales activity haven’t peaked, either. Based on the January data, single-family housing starts remain almost 200% below the peak hit during the last boom. And they’re more than 60% below the long-term average since 1962. As far as existing home sales, we’re still about 40% below peak levels.

3. RFI is Back in the Black.

Ever since 2005, the real estate market has been a drag on the U.S. economy. More specifically, residential fixed investment (RFI) weakened GDP growth.

Not anymore! In the fourth quarter, RFI added 0.4% to GDP growth. In dollar terms, RFI needs to increase another 40% just to hit the long-term average since 1995. So forget being near a top. The latest data indicates that “the housing rebound is fairly entrenched at this point,” as RBS Securities’ economist, Omair Sharif, puts it. Entrenched… with plenty of room to run, too.

Zillow’s release of our January Real Estate Market Report indicates national home values rose to $158,100, up 0.7 percent from December. This rise marks the 15th consecutive month of national home value gains, indicating a resilient housing market. Home values grew 6.2 percent year-over-year, the largest annual gain since July 2006 (7.5 percent).

Annual home value appreciation was widespread last month, with gains in all of the 30 largest metro markets covered by Zillow. One-third of the top 30 metros boasted annual appreciation rates above 10 percent, led by Phoenix (21.9 percent), San Francisco (17.2 percent) and San Jose (16.8 percent). Los Angeles, with a 9.7 percent annual appreciation rate, just missed the cut. Monthly home value gains in January were measured in 27 of the top 30 metros. St. Louis and Orlando depreciated, while Baltimore remained flat.

Rent values fell slightly in January from December, likely because of seasonality. Still, national rents rose 4.3 percent year-over-year, with significant annual appreciation in Denver (7.5 percent), Boston (6.3 percent) and Charlotte, N.C. (6.3 percent). The rental market is expected to remain strong in 2013 as a persistently high foreclosure rate continues to create renters out of foreclosed homeowners.

The takeaway from January’s report is that the housing market recovery that emerged in 2012 proved durable and will continue with significant momentum into 2013. Zillow’s Home Value Forecast anticipates further national home value appreciation of 3.3 percent for January 2013 to January 2014.

It is the same story in Houston, Texas, where there were 25,600 listings in January of last year and just 19,000 today. Real estate agents there doubt they will see a surge in inventory this Spring, as Houston is experiencing an employment boom. The Texas Workforce Commission reported more than 85,000 new jobs were created there in 2012. Housing starts are expected to rise by about 17 percent, but that only translates to about 28,000 new homes, according to the Houston Association of Realtors, and current homeowners are just not stepping up.

“Many of my clients are unsure about the economy and the future costs they may face that are associated with The Affordable Care Act. Many say they are nervous about the future and are just sitting back waiting for economic conditions to level out,” explained Danny Frank, Chairman of the Houston Association of Realtors. “Some sellers may be reluctant to put their homes on the market because it typically requires them, in turn, to purchase a home. They may not be financially prepared to make that commitment at this time. Another factor is that there simply isn’t a vast number of homes currently on the market in Houston because of the buying surge we experienced throughout 2012 and now into the new year.”

It may also be a case of, ‘Be careful what you wish for.’ Homeowners were crushed by falling home prices, losing trillions of dollars collectively in home equity. Now that prices are rising, and rising faster than most expected, sellers likely see no reason to rush.

“We are not seeing a flood of new listings, as I would have predicted in a rising market,” said Steve Storti of Philadelphia-based Prudential Fox & Roach. “Sellers are wary and perhaps a little shell-shocked by having listed previously and not being successful. They also may be waiting for prices to rise.”

—By CNBC’s Diana Olick;

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, Penn Valley at 432-1131, South County/LOP at 268-1575, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com

Some sellers may balk at the idea of renovating their homes before selling it, thinking that it may cost them a great deal of money without providing enough return during the resale. However, making some upgrades is common when selling a home, and there are several types of improvements owners can make that won’t dent their wallets.

Many buyers pay close attention to the type of features and fixtures in a home, and often opt for properties with newer and more energy-efficient products. These types of features can keep energy bills low and help owners manage their new homeowner costs. In addition, existing owners who purchase these types of materials may save money on their own energy bills during the selling process and earn tax benefits after the purchase.

Put in a new furnace

Home heating costs can be imposing, and replacing old or damaged furnaces can be pricy. However, new, energy-efficient furnaces are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable, according to Fox Business. Energy Star furnaces add 16 percent more efficiency than traditional furnaces and can save owners up to $96 per year in costs, the news source explains.

New furnaces can cost homeowners between $5,000 and $8,000, Fox Business explains. However, additional savings can be found by shopping around and getting quotes from different providers. Further, many may offer discounts for military service and other scenarios to help ease some of the costs. While upgrading to a new efficient furnace is unlikely to add more value to the home itself, it may appeal to more buyers who are interested in keeping bills low. Many buyers may request that an older furnace be replaced anyway before agreeing to a home sale, so purchasing a new one before putting the home on the market can make the selling process go more quickly.

Replace features

Energy-efficient window replacements can also make a difference in attracting buyers and lowering utility bills. Windows are the first place many homeowners and energy auditors examine for leaks and cracks that can lead to higher energy bills. Replacing windows can run into the thousands, depending on the type and number of windows in the home.

Consumers who are updating their kitchens should also consider buying a new energy-efficient refrigerator, which can lead to a savings of hundreds of dollars over the life of the product. In addition, newer refrigerators can make a kitchen look more modern during home showings, which may help individuals sell their homes more quickly.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, Penn Valley at 432-1131, South County/LOP at 268-1575, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com

What is the best price for a piece of real estate? Mortgage lenders, appraisers, and real estate brokers use what is called the “fair market value” (FMV). FMV has been defined as “the price that a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept, when both parties are knowledgeable about the property and neither is under any time pressure to buy or sell”. Sounds great, but how is this price determined?

The starting point for determining a fair price may be an opinion of the value or “comparative market analysis”. Such an analysis uses information on similar properties which are: 1) currently for sale, 2) already sold, or 3) expired properties (those which did not sell). Local, national and international trends and market conditions must also be evaluated.

By comparing similar properties in each of the three categories and the market conditions, appraisers, lenders and agents come very close to the maximum price that buyers would be willing to pay for a house.

To learn more contact Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty at one of our four offices in Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC announced the launch of its new mobile application, complete with key features that produce a unique user-friendly interface for ease of functionality and an enhanced domestic and international home search experience. The new Coldwell Banker® application for Android and iPhone smartphones is available for download through Google Play and the Apple Store.

The free mobile app offers a new interactive draw tool called Map Sketch that allows users to select a search area by tracing a shape on any map to view listings. Another key addition is the My Agent feature that allows users to connect to a Coldwell Banker agent of their choice and then share their favorite homes with a single tap from approximately 1.5 million property listings available for viewing via this mobile app.

Other key features include:

·   Rich video content that is associated with various listings of homes, agents, offices and communities from the extensive collection of videos found on Coldwell Banker On Location®.

·   Ability to utilize the Yelp! online community to gain an understanding of a neighborhood’s amenities, including local businesses, medical facilities, parks and other recreational interests.

“We know that consumers value seamless functionality when searching for homes on their mobile devices, and our new app brings homebuyers further customization to enhance their home buying experience,” said Michael Fischer, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “We have seen a 126% year-over-year increase in traffic to our mobile platform, and approximately 25% of all traffic to the coldwellbanker.com platform is via mobile devices.”

The new Coldwell Banker Real Estate mobile app also includes photos, social media integration via Facebook and Twitter, e-mail sharing, search capabilities for nearby homes and open houses, driving directions and a save-to-favorites function.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

Those that choose to sell their own homes often hope to avoid the commission paid to real estate agents. While those familiar with the housing market and process of selling a home may enjoy a successful sale, plenty of inexperienced home sellers have encountered nothing but headaches. Besides limiting the number of potential buyers, the decision to sell by owner has cost many homeowners incredible amounts of time, energy and money. Before you make your own decision, you may want to assess the factors discussed here in relation to your own knowledge and resources.

One of the most critical aspects of selling a home – setting the right price – often requires extensive market research and analysis of the property itself. While it is possible to gain an understanding of broad market trends, homeowners often don’t have enough time to analyze the nuances of their local housing market. On the other hand, real estate agents are immersed in such local trends on a daily basis. Over time, the best real estate agents will gain an incredible understanding of everything from the most popular neighborhoods and styles of homes to the types of amenities local buyers are looking for. When it comes time to set a sale price on your home, a real estate professional will be able to utilize this knowledge to determine the most accurate market value for your home.

While the pricing of a home can be a difficult process, the most challenging work begins when your home is officially for sale. Even if your home is in the most attractive location within the local market, you probably won’t find many interested buyers without marketing your property. This process begins with listings in real estate databases, newspapers and periodicals. After the listing has been marketed in such publications, the home is made available to prospective buyers through open houses and private viewings.

When a real estate agent is involved in the marketing process, many additional opportunities often develop. Utilizing their industry connections and relationships, real estate agents are often able to find prospective buyers that might not have noticed your home otherwise. While your home is for sale, you can expect your agent to work full time trying to find the right buyer for your home. By comparison, very few homeowners trying to sell their own homes have nearly as much time to devote to the marketing process.

Whether you are selling your own home or working with an agent, there is still plenty of work to be done after a buyer has agreed to purchase your home. A real estate agent may be able to help you work through legal documents such as the Purchase and Sale Agreement. However, those that sell their own homes need to negotiate these documents themselves or hire an attorney for assistance. Unlike most home sellers, real estate agents have experience with the closing process that may help both parties complete the sale as efficiently as possible.

Before deciding how to sell your home, try to consider that there are many factors that influence the real estate market and can make selling your own home very challenging. Understanding the unique risks and difficulties you may face during the selling process will not only help you make an informed decision about hiring a real estate agent – it may help you sell your home.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, Penn Valley at 432-1131, South County/LOP at 268-1575, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com

No one wants to spend a fortune when it comes to selling a home, but most want to spruce up a few areas to make their property more appealing to potential buyers. There are several types of small improvements individuals can make that can transform the look of a home without forcing them to break the bank.

When it comes to making home upgrades, it’s important that sellers remember to go for simple, clean improvements that make homes look more modern and elegant.

New countertops

One of the first areas sellers often focus on when making improvements is their kitchen, and rightly so. Buyers may examine a kitchen space more closely than bedrooms and bathrooms because this is the area where a family will spend the majority of its time. However, unless there is significant damage to the room, sellers may not need to renovate the entire kitchen. Instead, small changes, such as replacing the countertops with a nicer material may be enough to give the area a newer and fresher look, according to AOL Real Estate. Owners should consider using materials that are common in neighboring homes. A buyer may be less likely to purchase a home with tile countertops when the surrounding homes on the market all feature granite or marble.

New doors

Many homeowners overlook the appeal of new front, back and side doors, but these features are some of the first that buyers see when they pull up to a home. Adding a new door or painting the current ones to make them stand out can make the home feel more welcoming. In addition, adding new handles and locks can make buyers feel more secure. Doors are relatively inexpensive, and can be installed by the owners themselves with little effort.

Replace hardware and fixtures

Old, ruddy cabinet handles, kitchen spouts and light fixtures can be a turn off to buyers and make the home seem outdated. Replacing these fixtures with modern, top-of-the-line hardware is a simple and affordable solution that can be done quickly. Most home improvement stores carry a variety of fixtures and hardware, and owners can compare costs easily by doing some research online.

While homeowners are seeking out new fixtures, they may also examine paint samples to freshen up the colors in their home and make it more inviting.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Penn Valley at 432-1131, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com

It is common for homeowners to think that selling a home is an expensive endeavor, which may in turn cause them to hold off on putting their home on the market. From repairs to staging the process can seem overwhelming. However, with the advice of a real estate agent, sellers often find there are several ways to keep costs low and come out on top during the selling process.

Work with a seasoned professional

Those who are unfamiliar with the selling process may try to take on everything themselves, which can lead to errors regarding documents, home staging, repairs and inspections. While many individuals initially opt for the “go-it-alone” approach to save money, working with seasoned professionals can help avoid costly errors. Real estate agents can provide sound advice on staging a home, accepting offers and enhancing listings to attract more buyers.

A home inspector is another asset consumers should take advantage of to save money. Buyers will likely hire their own inspector to examine a home, and if they find significant problems, they may ask sellers to lower their asking price or walk away altogether. However, sellers who discover issues beforehand and have them repaired may be in a better position to price their homes and mitigate potential problems.

Keep improvements to a minimum

Minor updates to a home can be helpful in attracting buyers. However, going overboard on updates to sell a home may not give sellers the kind of return they are expecting. For example, adding on an office addition or turning the basement into a den may make a home more appealing, but buyers may be unlikely to pay a great deal extra for it, according to the National Association of Realtors. Instead, sellers may benefit more from small touch-ups, such as repainting the home, adding new fixtures and hiring a landscaper to improve a property’s curb appeal.

Not sure where to start with your exterior? Realtor.com posted great suggestions that included:

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered regularly.
• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly.
• Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling.
• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• In Northern winters, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice.
• During spring and summer months consider adding a few showy annuals, perhaps in pots, near your front entrance.
• Re-seal an asphalt driveway.
• Keep your garage door closed.
• Store RVs or old and beaten up cars elsewhere while the house is on the market.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

In some cases, individuals who have outdated kitchens and appliances may want to undertake a larger project, such as replacing floors or countertops. Sellers who decide to take on these renovations should stick to materials used in similar homes in the neighborhood. For example, buyers may be more inclined to purchase a home if the newly-remodeled kitchen countertops are made of granite, like the neighboring homes, rather than tile.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

COLDWELL BANKER GRASS ROOTS REALTY OFFERS TIPS ON HOME SELLING DURING THE WINTER

submitted by Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty

Just because the weather outside is frightful, the home selling experience doesn’t have to be.  Traditionally, the spring season is known as the time when home buyers are out in full-swing looking to purchase, but winter months can also bring in motivated buyers who are attracted to your snow covered home.

Here are five suggestions from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty on how to take your home from cold, to cozy, to sold:

1. Keep the Outside Manicured. Don’t let the cold weather dampen your home’s curb appeal.  Always keep a clear path from the street or driveway to the front door, even sprinkle a layer of sand over the sidewalk and front steps to ensure home buyers can easily get to the home.  To brighten up the outside of a home plant some flowers that are in season in the winter such as Chrysanthemums, Evergreens or Pansies.  If it’s raining or snowing, put a rubber mat by the front door and provide a coat rack and bin to easily store jackets and umbrellas while potential buyers enjoy viewing the home.

1. Focus on Letting in the Light.  Since the sun isn’t flowing into your home during the winter as it may during the rest of the year, open up the shutters, raise the blinds and push back the drapes on all the windows in your home to let in as much natural light as possible.  Make a point to turn on all the lights, and for rooms that don’t have any windows, consider adding spotlights on the floor behind furniture.

1. Create a Cozy Mood. Winter is the time of year when you want to cuddle up with loved ones at home, so make your house feel like a winter retreat.  Toss throw blankets across the arms of your sofa or chair, place vases of winter flowers around the house and place a breakfast tray on the bed with coffee cups, saucers, napkins, etc.  This will give your home an irresistible cozy feel.

1. Emphasize Sight, Sound, Scent and Taste. For a warm look, give your home a good scrub to make it sparkle for potential buyers and add photographs that showcase the home during the summer with flowers blooming and lush green lawns.  Turn on some inviting music, like jazz or classical, that is soothing and will make the potential home buyers feel relaxed during their viewing. Make your home smell warm and inviting with scents of baked goods, such as cookies or apple pie.  A light scented candle is a good choice. Avoid strong scents from sprays or plug in air fresheners because many people are allergic. Serve comforting winter foods and beverages to give viewers a taste of home. Try a delicious soup or scrumptious gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider or cups of cocoa.

1. Check all Home Heating Systems.  Depending on the length of time that the furnace or heating system has been installed in the home, consider providing a history of service and having an inspector check to ensure it is working properly.  Make sure basement pipes are insulated or wrapped, especially those on outside walls.  Finally, to ensure the fireplace does not cool off other parts of the house make sure there is a vent on the outside wall and that there are glass doors in front of it.  All of these extra inspections will provide reassurance to prospective buyers that the home can stand up to the harsh cold of winter.

To learn more how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help please call one of our four offices in Grass Valley at 273-7293, Nevada City at 265-3282, Penn Valley at 432-1131 or South County/LOP at 268-1575. Visit our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

By now everyone understands the tough economic times that we are currently experiencing. There are many ways we can all help each other.

It takes an entire community to keep local businesses healthy. Your shopping locally assists with supplying jobs for our neighbors, supporting our schools and non-profits. It generates the tax dollars we need for our roads, police and fire protection. Support the community in which we all live and benefits come back to us in so many ways. We need to keep our towns vibrant and economically strong.

Here are 10 reasons to shop locally:

Protect your family! Local tax revenue from spending your money locally helps fund our local police and fire departments.

Support your local non-profits! Local merchants contribute to our many local non-profit organizations.

Take a breath of fresh air! Shopping local keeps more cars off the road reducing our carbon foot print.

Have a smooth ride! Local tax revenues pay for road improvements.

Give your neighbor a raise! By purchasing from local merchants you keep your friends and family employed and help increase their household income.

Meet your neighbor or make a friend! Shopping local is a social event. You see and meet other locals.

Keep your sanity! By buying local you get to speak to a local customer service representative in person. No “press one for the next available operator.”

Take a walk in the park! Local tax dollars pay for the building and up keep of our beautiful local parks.

Invest in your future! Money spent locally keeps our economy strong, property values stable and increases job wages.

Make this community yours! By shopping local you take ownership in your community.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices in Nevada City at 265-3282, South County/LOP at 268-1575, Penn Valley at 432-1131, Grass Valley at 273-7293, or go to our website at www.NevadaCounty4Sale.com.

THE POWER OF VIDEOS IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY

Remember those ancient days when the only video you could watch was either at a movie theater or on a TV with a giant knob for changing the channel? Things have changed and they’ve done so at a blinding and blistering pace.

Developments over the last 5 years or so have led to an almost unfathomable growth in online video consumption. In 2011, YouTube reported that there were over 1 trillion video views. By the end of 2012, internet video views will account for over 50% of consumer internet traffic.

One of the industries that is being affected by the proliferation of online video is the real estate industry. Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty (CBGRR) recognizes this. While the “staples” of the real estate industry are still being used: print marketing, postcards, flyers, magnets, calendars, etc. technology has offered a new platform for servicing home sellers.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 88% of all home buyers used the internet to search for homes in 2011. Home sellers are starting to realize that there is a new horizon to marketing their homes. 73% of sellers say they would like to use video to market their property. Yet, nationally, less that 2% of real estate agents use video.

“CBGRR hears this loud and clear,” says Rick Dejesus, owner of Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty. “We wanted to feature an event that will allow those consumers who list their homes with us the opportunity to receive this added benefit of marketing. As a result we are hosting a Virtual Open House Event featuring a sample of Video Listings. The public will have a chance to preview homes for sale from the comfort of their own homes.”

CBGRR’s Virtual Open House Event will be Friday through Sunday, September 28, 29 and 30 on their website, www.nevadacounty4sale.com.

To learn more about how Coldwell Banker Grass Roots Realty can help, please call one of our four offices:
Grass Valley at (530) 273-7293
Nevada City at (530) 265-3282
South County / Lake of the Pines at (530) 268-1575
Penn Valley at (530) 432-1131