Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update

I had a client talk to me about their roof the other day.  They plan to put their home on the market soon and they wanted recommendations as to what they should do - New Roof or not.  As a Realtor representing them, my job would be a lot easier selling their home with a new roof.  However, what really needs to be asked -- "Is the investment going to turn into top dollar for their home?"

Here are a few things, in my opinion, that should consider:

1. It's a Buyer's Market
   
   We have been in a buyer's market for quite some time.  Good Realtors will guide their buyers to properties that provide the most home for the money.  I always tell my clients the two most important things to look at when considering buying a home is foundation and roof.  After all, these can be the most costly if not in the best condition.  Third and forth on the list would be plumbing and electrical.
   
2. State of the Roof
   
   The roof sheathing and outer roof over 20+ years of age most likely has experienced deterioration regardless of type of roof (composition, tile, wood shake, even metal).  The cost of replacing your roof may provide a worthwhile investment to conscious buyers who are looking to get the most for their money in addition to "peace-of-mind" knowing the cost of replacing the roof will not be out-of-pocket.  In my experience that lenders also put more positive weight on a new roofs than ones at the end of their life.
   
   Before any decision is made, have more than one roofing professional out to take a look at your roof and provide a detailed report of the state of your roof and recommendations (have them include photos if possible).
   
3. Competitive Market Analysis
   
   Today, you not only have to convince buyers that the price they are paying for your home is worth it.  You also have to convince the Bank!  Homes that are priced quite a bit higher than others in the neighborhood, regardless of upgrades and updates, may not be able to capture the value they deserve.  Banks are much more conservative than in the past and appraisers have tightened up their practices as well.

There are several situations in my recent past where, when asked, I recommended against a new roof and my clients opted for roof repair.  The recommendation I would make is to know the state of the homes that have sold in your neighborhood, have intimate knowledge of the state of your roof (where there are leaks, drainage issues and deterioration) and have your Realtor or trusted Real Estate professional provide their view of value with and without a new roof.  An informed seller is always more powerful these days!


--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562)618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

Labels: Craftsman, Dave, edison, Future of Real Estate, Home Seller, Long Beach Architecture, Long Beach Bungalow, Long Beach Heritage, Long Beach Seller, Naples, roof, Virginia Country Club

Since the early part of this decade, on-line emergence of Real Estate tools and technology used  to evaluate, analyze and scrutinize homes for sale, have changed how Realtors and Buyers alike, approach home-buying.  At first, my colleagues and I were a bit skeptical about on-line searching and even fearful it would take business out of our pockets.  However, over the past few years, I've not only embraced the digital and on-line world, I have become somewhat addicted to it. 

With resources available on Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Homes.com, Yahoo.com, Trulia.com and others, the home buyer has an opportunity to be more informed and in-control of the home buying experience than ever before.  And with all the insight available across the internet , the home buying experience can be more precise, less time consuming and much less stressful.

Here are just a few tips I'd gathered over time to help home buyers as they begin the process:


1.  Make a list of everything you MUST have for your home.  From location, school district, size, number of bedrooms, number of bathroms, layout and type of garage.  Then put together a wish list of amenities such as flooring, kitchen shelving, fireplace and storage.  Don't forget to also list things you absolutely don't want in a home.  You may not end up getting everything on this list, but it will provide a great start and vision for the search


2.  Find a lender that can pre-approve you for a loan in the price range that will put you in position to get the home of your dreams...or provide you with a good idea of what you can be approved for


3.  Research homes on the internet so you get a feel for what is out there.  I can help you sort through the properties within your price range and help you pinpoint homes that fit your criteria.  By reviewing the photos and videos on your computer, you can get a good idea of what the property will look like...HOWEVER, just as the internet has revolutionized the home search, ADOBE PHOTOSHOP has made it possible to make interiors and exteriors of homes look much different in the photos than in person.  So keep this in mind when looking at photos or virtual home tours


4.  Focus on the big picture.  I recommend to all my clients not to get stuck on the aesthetics that can be changed out easily -- carpet, paint colors, bad decor and old/faded/cracked (or just plain funky) fixtures



5.  Find a professional Buyer's REALTOR like myself that can be your mentor throughout the process.  They represent you, and only you -- always looking out for your best interest. And, in almost all cases, they would be paid by the seller, not by you.  I always recommend against using the Realtor that lists the property that interests you or has their name on the property sign.  They have signed a contract with the seller and have a responsibility to bring the seller the most money they can for their home.  Which can end up costing you more for the home.  It is a negotiation process in which the focus should be on you.  Not on the seller.  Especially in a "Buyer's Market". 

There are plenty of tips, you as a buyer, should consider.  Give me an e-mail or call and I can send you a copy of my special report "GREAT TIPS TO GET MORE HOME FOR YOUR MONEY."

--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

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