erealestatemonterey.com

Have you tried zillow.com yet? This is a free website that lets you get a zestimate which is an automated estimate of value of your home.  You can try this from here on our web site.  You  simply type in your address and instant gratification.  It’s a nice tool but  frequently not very accurate. It does allow you to see other properties around you that have sold.

A “zestimate” would be more useful in areas with big subdivisions of similar homes or in a condo complex.  It’s not going to know and adjust for such things as a great ocean view, or upgrades to your home.

This can be a good tool for buyers also if you are interested in a specific neighborhood.

“Staging” does not always mean hiring a professional stager to re-do your home.  There are a number of things you or your Real Estate Agent can do yourselves.  Start with the outside as curb appeal is major in any kind of market.  Drive by your home, walk across the street to look at it and then pull up to the curb and pretend you are a buyer.  What do you see? 

Such things as a new welcome mat, new address numbers, the porch light and of course the front door are very important to make your home appealing. Is the paint in good condition?  Are the bushes trimmed and tidy and the front yard and other landscaping green and in good condition.  Make sure bushes are trimmed away from the windows to allow light inside.

Put away garbage cans, toys, sports equipment and anything else that doesn’t belong there or that doesn’t help enhance your home.   Is there enough color around the front door and front exterior of your home. Consider adding a pot of colorful flowers by the front door.

These sound like small things, but can considerably enhance the look of your home. Read my section on tips for Sellers for other ideas.

The first thing to do if you are thinking of buying a home in Monterey County is to get prequalified with a good lender.  This puts you in a stronger position when you make an offer on a property and helps you determine what you can afford.  Do your homework to help you decide what areas you want to consider.  You can do a great deal of research using the Internet and visiting open houses. 

Especially important though is finding a real estate agent who is willing to work hard on your behalf.   A Real Estate Agent has access to information such as how long the home has been on the market, what price reductions have been made previously and if the property is an “REO” property, meaning it is owned by the bank.  These things can help guide you when making an offer.

If you are looking for an especially good “deal”, then don’t set your sights on just one house.  If you are willing to consider a number of different homes it will help your search.  If you are good at fixing things, and/or willing to  work with contractors to remodel there are opportunities out there.   When the Real Estate market in Monterey County was really “hot”, properties that needed work still sold for top dollar amounts.  Now with more listings available, properties that need work are discounted much more heavily.  You may want to try out some of our calculators to help you determine your mortage payments, an estimate of your tax deduction, etc.