Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Experts & My Experience

Below is a copy of an article about what the experts think is going to happen in the housing market. They are definitely giving good advice, but mine is always better. Why you ask? Because I've got the local market knowledge, I've been at this for almost two decades. I've survived where others have failed when the market is turned upside down & sideways. Call me today, well, after you read the below article, about what's happening where you live and/or where you want to live. I'm happy to share my knowledge and experience with each and every one of you. My direct number you can text/call is (661) 313-5470. Wishing you all the best on this very last day of 2019!

------------------------------

Expert Insights on the 2020 Housing Market

Expert Insights on the 2020 Housing Market | MyKCM

When closing out another year, it’s normal to wonder what’s ahead for the housing market. Though there will be future inventory issues, we expect interest rates to stay low and appreciation to continue.

Here’s what three experts are saying we’ll likely see in 2020:

“I think the biggest surprise from the forecast is how long the market is staying in this low inventory environment, especially as Millennials are in a major home-buying phase…sellers will contend with flattening price growth and slowing activity with existing home sales down 1.8%. Nationwide you can look to flat home prices with an increase of less than 1%.”
"Interest rates will, on average, remain lower…These lower rates will in turn support both purchase and refinance origination volume in 2020."
“If current trends hold, then slower means healthier and smaller means more affordable. Yes, we expect a slower market than we’ve become accustomed to the last few years…consumers will continue to absorb available inventory and the market will remain competitive in much of the country.”
As we can see, we’re still going to have a healthy market. It is forecasted to be a more moderate (or normal) market than the last few years, but strong enough for Americans to continue to believe in homeownership and to capitalize on the opportunities that come with low interest rates.

Bottom Line

If you’re wondering what’s happening in our local market, let’s get together today.

Friday, December 27, 2019

National Association Cracking Down on Pocket Listings

There's only been a few times where I've 'double-ended' a listing of mine. Meaning I've represented the Seller & the Buyer. I prefer not to do it. I have when the Sellers ask for it for a few different reasons.

With that said, there are quite a few Realtors that do like to represent both sides in a transaction. Some would say both of the clients are getting a great agent. Some would say they like the control. Some would say they like the money. All are very valid. Generally though, when representing both Seller & Buyer, the listing agent is giving a discount to the Seller.

At any rate, there are also many groups that release their upcoming, or pocket, listing information to their peers. Meaning that those members hear about those listings first, before all the other agents in our MLS and the general public get wind of a new home for sale.

National Association of Realtors has seen this as a problem and as of May 2020 will be pushing hard to enforce the rules on release of listings within 1 day of any type of marketing to anyone. No more of the 'coming soon', well, without the required documents. Zillow is going to be watched like a hawk! If a sign goes up in a yard, the agent better have the exclusion from MLS form completed......if it's not going in the MLS within 24 hours.



Why does it matter? Because, everyone deserves a chance at a home. Every buyer should be able to make an offer on a home that could be the right one for them. AND, because every Seller will likely make more money on their sale if more buyers can view it. Period.

Some times a Seller says, if I can make $XYZ & not have people traipsing through my home, I'll take it. Keep it off market, sell it via your network group, I'm okay with that. I just hope that the Realtors taking those listings are having a serious discussion, with stats, explaining to their client(s) why putting their home in the MLS is so important.

Questions about Real Estate? ~ Lauren@KeepYourWitz.com ~ (661) 313-5470

Friday, December 20, 2019

Sometimes It's About Keeping A Bathroom Clean!

Yup, Real Estate has many facets all right! I read a Houzz article about the best way to remodel a bathroom with how to keep it clean in mind when doing so.


I gotta tell you, they had great ideas. Very focused on not creating any mold in a bathroom. So important, we see all too much of that in baths. And, tiling the entire wall vs. painting to help avoid those...even if the dang fan is on the entire time your children are showering those super long showers......water/steam streaks you get on the painted walls.

Interesting enough to me to share was their suggestion about floating vanities...AND, toilets, so it's easier to clean the entire floor of the bathroom. Heck, I think of it as more cleaning to do. But, we would avoid that yucky grout look around the base of the toilets I see now & again if it was floating.

What cha think? 


I actually really liked this shower/bath set up.


A little too industrial for me, but I bet any maintenance peeps that have to clean here like the 'swabbing of the deck' this way much better than around sinks/toilets/vanities!


I know, no floating toilet in this pic....I just dug the floating sink! 

At any rate, if you're staying put in your home and thinking about remodeling your bathroom, definitely read the entire article from Houzz above, it's got other great suggestions too!

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Holiday Lights Abound in Santa Clarita!

I know, I always blog about something Real Estate related! 
BUT, this is home related so here ya go!

Holiday lights in Santa Clarita have always been pretty spectacular! We live across the street from one of the most popular ones. Which can be a total bummer due to trash left behind from people that park on our street and walk across a busy street to get to the prettiness of Wakefield Winter Wonderland! We scrooge-like grumble about it, but it is a beautiful site to behold....and, it's only once a year. The below picture is our home in the day time, meh. At night, it's super pretty though,
 & people love our HUGE Grinch Sleigh inflatable on the front lawn!


Thanks to the City of Santa Clarita for gathering all kinds of info on where to go to see the most spectacular (aka, BUSIEST) light shows in our sweet little valley, click on the link here: 2019 Holiday Lights in Santa Clarita  Be Sure To Scroll Down their page so you don't miss a thing! 

Maybe you'd like to take advantage of the Holiday Light Tour via the Wood Trolley or maybe one of those little Dail-A-Ride buses....so someone else can watch for little ones crossing big streets.....check out the information here on that: Trolley & Dial-A-Ride Holiday Light Tours!

AND, if you're looking for a compilation of Holiday events in our town, 
check out this site: Santa Clarita Holiday Celebrations

So, there ya go! Why go crazy looking everywhere for anything holiday related in SCV?


I went a few moments of crazy for ya!
Happiest of Holidays to you & yours!

Friday, December 13, 2019

Gift Giving At The Holidays!

Most of my pals know I've been working my tush off this week, on top of my Real Estate clients of course, to help with a local non-profit organization.

I'm a bit....well, honestly....exhausted! LOLOL But, onward & forward as they say! And, it's a seriously worthy cause that is definitely near & dear to my very own heart.

Gift giving comes in all kinds of different ways. In actual gifts, in money, in kindness too. 

Quite honestly, I haven't had the pleasure of achieving this one...but, yes, gifts can be houses as well! Keep reading to see my thoughts on this though!


The closest I have ever been was for a Seller. The buyers soon-to-be-ex-husband was buying his soon-to-be-ex-wife a house in Toluca Lake. Yep, I thought it was weird too, but that's what the deal was. All was going smoothly, all buyers contingencies were removed. Shortly before closing the buyers agent called me saying the buyer was cancelling our escrow. I said, "What? Does he know he'll lose his TWENTY-SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLAR deposit?" It may have been 25k-something-or-another, but 27k is what sticks in my head...it was quite some time ago. Needless to say, my Seller definitely kept the deposit and we put it back on the market.

That's the only time I've had any buyer, in over 17 years of selling homes, lose a deposit. And, it wasn't my buyer fortunately!

Back to gift giving of houses. Houses & Homes are a very personal item. It's not like buying a blouse you can return. It's not buying a fishing pole to find out it's not for ocean fishing. Certainly not like buying a box of candy....but, hey, almost anyone will keep a box of candy!

Buying a home, is a very wonderful, & somewhat stressful, experience. I highly recommend that any gifts of a home, not be wrapped up under the tree. Maybe the final closing statement of the home you bought together, but, definitely not the house/condo/townhouse itself. LOL

But oh, how cute would it be, to wrap a toy house in a box under the tree so the gift recipient knows you're ready to take that next leap together? And, definitely put one of my business cards in that box with the toy house.....you'll need that for sure!


Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Your Home Here & What A Difference A Year Makes!

A 365 Day Difference in Home Ownership


A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership | MyKCM


Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:
  1. Refinance: If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save substantially over time, but it also means paying upfront closing costs too. You have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home?
  2. Move-up or Downsize: Another option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit for your family.
  3. Become a First-Time Homebuyer: There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost of renting vs. buying

Why 2019 Was a Great Year for Homeownership

Last year at this time, mortgage rates were 4.63% (substantially higher than they are today). If you’re one who waited for a better time to make a move, market conditions have improved significantly. Today’s low mortgage rates combined with increasing wages are making homes much more affordable than they were just one year ago, so it’s a great time to get more for your money and consider a new home.
The chart below shows how much you would save based on today’s rates, compared to what you would have paid if you purchased a house exactly one year ago, depending on how much you finance.A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership | MyKCM

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting since last year to make your move into home-ownership, or to find a house that better meets your needs, today’s low mortgage rates may be just what you need to get the process going. Let’s get together to discuss how you can benefit from the current rates and see "Your Home Here"!

Email me for more info @ Lauren@KeepYourWitz.com!
Call/Text me for more info @ (661) 313-5470!



Friday, December 6, 2019

Ready For A Larger Home? I'm Ready to Help!

Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?

Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget? | MyKCM

At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many realize their homes are just not quite big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. Are you one of those homeowners dreaming for a larger space to call home?

You may have enough equity in your current home to move up.

According to the Q3 2019 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report by ATTOM Data Solutions,
“14.4 million residential properties in the United States were considered equity rich, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loans secured by those properties was 50 percent or less of their estimated market value.”
This means that one in four of the 54 million mortgaged homes in the U.S. have at least 50% equity. If these homeowners decide to sell, they can use their equity to put toward the purchase of a new home. Maybe you’ll be one of them.
NAR recently released their 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers showing that,
“This year, home sellers cited that they sold their homes for a median of $60,000 more than they purchased it, up from $55,500 the year prior. This accounted for a 31 percent price gain, up from 29 percent the year before.”
Here’s the equity gain breakdown based on the number of years these sellers lived in their homesIs A Bigger House Within Your Budget? | MyKCM

Bottom Line

If you’re one of the many homeowners with big dreams of owning a larger home, let’s get together. Working with a trusted advisor to find out how much equity you have is a great first step in putting your move-up plan in motion.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Really? Yup, Really! National Roof Over Your Head Day!

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day! | MyKCM

Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd?
As noted on the National Calendar, it was “created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head. There are many things that we have that we take for granted and do not stop to appreciate how fortunate we are for having them.”
From bungalows to cottages, and farmhouses to treehouses, today we show our appreciation and gratitude for the places we call home. Owning the roof that shelters us is something many renters still aspire to, knowing there are so many financial and non-financial benefits to homeownership.
According to the 2019 State of the Nation’s Housing from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University,
“Cost-burdened renters now outnumber cost-burdened homeowners by more than 3.0 million. In addition, renters make up 10.8 million of the 18.2 million severely burdened households that pay more than half their incomes for housing.”
Homeownership drives many benefits, including providing families with a place to feel secure. It also helps promote confidence that they are investing proactively in themselves and their communities. That is why there are 77.7 million owner-occupied housing units in the United States.
Many, however, fear it is too expensive to own a home. In reality, however, it’s actually more expensive to rent. Here’s the breakdown as a percentage of income necessary for both – affording median rent and owning a home:It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day! | MyKCM

Bottom Line

Today we pause to appreciate the places we call home, and all of the other reasons we have to be truly thankful. For those who don’t own yet and would like to, it’s a wonderful time to start identifying the steps to take toward homeownership. Let’s connect today to begin creating your plan.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

To Buy or To Rent? Wealth Comes With Home Ownership.

The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home

The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home | MyKCM

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.
Realtor.com reported that:
“Buying remains the more attractive option in the long term – that remains the American dream, and it’s true in many markets where renting has become really the shortsighted option…as people get more savings in their pockets, buying becomes the better option.”

Why is owning a home financially better than renting?

Here are the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership:
  1. Homeownership is a form of forced savings.
  2. Homeownership provides tax savings.
  3. Homeownership allows you to lock in your monthly housing cost.
  4. Buying a home is less expensive than renting.
  5. No other investment lets you live inside of it.
Studies have also shown that a homeowner’s net worth is 44x greater than that of a renter.
A family that purchased a median-priced home at the start of 2019 would build more than
$37,750 in family wealth over the next five years with projected price appreciation alone.
Some argue that renting eliminates the cost of taxes and home repairs, but every potential renter must realize that all the expenses the landlord incurs are already baked into the rent payment – along with a profit margin!

Bottom Line

Owning a home has many social and financial benefits that cannot be achieved by renting. Let’s connect to determine if buying a home is your best move.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Our Sweet Loving Santa Clarita Valley Home Sales Activity

Inventory is dropping, 15% less this month than last. But, home sales are still strong.

That darn 325-ish sold in 30 days number is still happening!!

Acton, Agua Dulce, Canyon Country, Fair Oaks Ranch, Saugus, Valencia, Newhall, Castiac, & Stevenson Ranch.....all included in my information to you.


Yes, we're not just about houses!
 I'm looking forward to hiking with my eldest son again soon,
 and SCV has tons of beautiful trails!

Oh, wait, back to your homes sales activity....

*We currently have 490 active homes, condos, townhouses, for sale. Last month was 571.

*We currently have 413 in escrow. Last month was 484.

*Closed in the last 30 days? 304. Last month was 322.

We've had a lot of rough days out here in the last couple of months, but it's still a most beautiful place to live. Just ask me, I've been here for almost 3 decades & have been helping people buy & sell homes for almost 2 decades.

Yup, I love SCV!!! #SantaClaritaStrong

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Ah, The Realtor Life!

I'll admit it, sometimes I just don't want to talk to the other agent. But, I always at least respond when they text/call/email me. Always.

Working with an escrow right now that the buyers agent and/or the buyers have been difficult with communication since the beginning. Some people are just like that, right?

Now, of course now, as Contingencies are due to be removed, the agent is barely responding...if at all.


Yep, that's pretty much what it feels like.

So, what do we do in this instance? You can call the other agents broker, but that's just like tattling. The right thing to do is what's called the Notice to Buyer to Perform. It's actually part of the initial contract. If either party is not performing, doing their contractual obligations, the other party may cancel...but first must provide the Notice to Perform.

I don't like using it, as generally no one really wants to cancel. So, it feels like a false threat & can put a bad taste in a persons mouth for the rest of the transaction. And, the time it takes to actually cancel a contract, it doesn't happen immediately. The other principle has 2 days to respond to the notice and then escrow has to draw up cancellation instructions. AND then, all parties have to sign it. Honestly, by that time the party that was not doing their part has to sign the escrow doc, they actually have done their contractual obligation. But, we do it to remind people they signed a contract and to adhere to it.

I'll likely be having my seller sign one this evening.....since the buyers agent hasn't responded to me for several hours.....not even a courtesy text that she's working on it. Oh, wait....while typing this....she just texted me back!!! And, blamed her clients for not responding. Who knows!

#RealtorLife

Friday, November 8, 2019

Moving To Another State? How To Find A Great Realtor To Help You?

Um, hello? Ask me!!! 

So, anyone that knows me knows I'm all over Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. LinkedIn, Google My Business, Yelp, YouTube, Blogger. I am able to keep in touch with a lot of my peeps, share my listings, educate my followers, AND, meet other Realtors Out....Of.....State!

So, let's say you are considering moving to Oklahoma? Maybe Colorado? Well, most of my clients that have left California, recently Idaho seems to be the big winner!


At any rate, how do you find a good Realtor in the area if you don't know anyone there? Let alone, let's say two of your new city friends have referred a Realtor to you and you're not sure which one to choose?

Aha, little ole me, who's been helping people Buy & Sell homes for almost 2 decades knows the right questions to ask the prospective Realtor in your next home town, so you get the best...well 2nd best since you're leaving me.....agent to help you find your new home and represent you in the way you've become accustomed to.

And, you know what else? Even if I'm not helping you in Kentucky or New Mexico....if I help you interview & hire your agent......that agent will be much more amenable to keeping me in the loop and answering my questions about your home purchase. 

I've got clients right now that are just moving further north. I helped them find a Realtor, she's sorta like me, but ....again...no one is me.....so I've been on the phone, email, text, with their new agent and helping my current clients through any trials they are having because....you know why? Because my clients trust me. Why? Because they know what kind of Real Estate agent I am, and they know they can completely trust me.

Don't trust the choice of a Realtor for one of those big family decisions by looking online. Ask your trusted Realtor, the one you know, to help you. Trust me, I'm happy to do so.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Home Warranty ~ Sellers? Definitely Worth It For Your Buyers!

How Long Do Home Systems and Appliances Last? Thanks to One of My Favorite Home Warranty Reps.....

Here's Your Answers!



Today’s appliances are more efficient, harder working, quieter, and have many more features than their older counterparts. These efficiencies and features also come with a cost, however: these appliances don’t last like they used to.
So how long should your appliances and home systems last? Well, first consider that different brands (like cars) are more reliable than others. Then factor in how often you use them. A stove that you use only to boil water or for holidays is likely to last longer than one working every day to feed a large family.
That said, regular care and maintenance of appliances and systems can also help extend their life. And for those times when things fail unexpectedly, a home warranty can help protect your budget from costly repair or replacement.

Average Life of Home Appliances and Systems

Here are some of the most used home appliances, how long they can typically last, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and what you can do to help them last longer.
Average life in years*Average replacement cost**Average repair costs**
Refrigerator13$2,819$981
Oven13-15$2,935$851
Washer/Dryer10-13$1,203$628
Dishwasher9$1,207$503
Water Heater (Tank)10$1,600$860
Central Heating15-20$2,753$684
Central Air Conditioning15$2,989$706

Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is one of the most expensive, hardest working, and often-underappreciated appliances in your home. Some types and brands of refrigerators may last only about 10 years, while others can run for 15 years or more. Cleaning your refrigerator’s condenser coils can help your fridge run more efficiently.
Did you know that while people love icemakers, this is the feature most likely to break in a refrigerator? In fact, refrigerators with icemakers are twice as likely to break down.

Oven/Range/Stovetop

Your oven is typically one of the longest lasting appliances in your kitchen. A gas oven or range will generally last about 15 years, while an electric one will last a few years less. Regular checks and simple maintenance can keep your oven looking and working its best.

Dishwasher

Expect to get about 9 years out of your dishwasher. How to extend its life? Remove food scraps, plastic bits, bones, or anything else that could clog the filter or drain lines. Regularly keep the filter clean. Wait to run full loads instead of more frequent smaller loads.

Washer and Dryer

You should expect to get about 10 years out of your washer and a few more years than that out of your dryer. You can definitely help extend the life of your washer by keeping your machine balanced, avoiding overloading, and making sure you use the right type and amount of detergent (more is not better). For your dryer, clean the lint filter after every use, and clean dryer ducts annually.

Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters last more than 20 years, while an electric or gas tank water heater has a life expectancy of about 10 years. Most manufacturers recommend regular maintenance, including flushing gas or electric water heaters to help it last and work its best.

Central Heating and Air Conditioning

Central heating and air conditioner systems generally last between 15-20 years. Proper maintenance and changing air filters regularly can help keep your HVAC system running smoothly for as long as possible.

Protect Your Budget with a Home Warranty

When you buy a home, you don’t always know how old your appliances are, or how well they’ve been maintained. A home warranty can protect your budget from unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Friday, November 1, 2019

And You Thought Negotiations Were Over.....Hah!

I know, I really shouldn't even consider smirking about this subject....but today I am.

Working with great Sellers, Buyers, Buyers' Agent, and Lender....we still have negotiations that can get parties a bit edgy until completed.

The infamous Request for Repairs in California Real Estate transactions....


There were negotiations for Sellers & Buyers to come to an agreed upon price and open escrow. Those can be trying enough.

All properties in California are sold AS-IS, right? Well, yes.....and, no.

The California Association of Realtors purchase agreement: CONDITION OF PROPERTY: Unless otherwise agreed in writing: (i) the Property is sold (a) “AS-IS” in its PRESENT physical condition as of the date of Acceptance and (b) subject to Buyer's Investigation rights

So, what exactly does that mean? It means the buyers have every right to do an inspection to verify that the condition of the home is acceptable to themselves.

And, it means the buyer can certainly ask the seller to repair/correct/replace some items. They can ask for a credit, or even reduction of purchase price. They can ask for all kinds of things.

Now, what's the Sellers responsibility when they get a Request for Repairs? They can completely ignore the request. But, no one really does that. 

Herein are the secondary negotiations in a home purchase. And, sometimes they can be extremely challenging.

Seller feels one way, Buyer feels another. Their respective Realtors, with all the experience, have to guide them through these additional negotiations so that everyone feels they have been treated as fairly as possible. Sometimes there are several addendums and new requests before finally an agreement can be reached. Once that is completed, you can move forward with your escrow. 

If not, poof! Your escrow will most likely be cancelled and you have to start all over again. Caveat to that? Whatever came up in the first buyers inspection report now has become a disclosure item to the next buyer.

My suggestion is always to come to terms. Your home isn't perfect. The buyer wants to feel like you've addressed their concerns. Give a bit, get a bit. Move forward to your goal. Sell your home or buy your home.....that's been the goal for both Sellers & Buyers.....Let's Do This.




Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Waiting To Sell in the Spring? Waiting May Not Be Wise.....

Thinking of Selling Your Home? 

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part.

Thinking of Selling Your Home? The Waiting Is The Hardest Part. | MyKCM

Tom Petty famously penned the words, “the waiting is the hardest part” in his early 80’s hit song The Waiting, and his thought process can surprisingly also be applied to individuals considering selling their homes today. Traditional thinking would suggest it may be best to wait until the spring to sell when there is a flood of buyers in the market, but right now may in fact be an even better time to list your home.
We can see the overall economy is good: wages are rising, there are near record-low unemployment rates, and mortgage interest rates are still very low too. Over the past 10+ years the housing market has stabilized, so what (if anything) is the biggest challenge in the housing market today?
The answer is simple: it’s inventory.
According to the Existing Home Sales Report by the National Association of Realtors,
“Total housing inventory at the end of September sat at 1.83 million, approximately equal to the amount of existing-homes available for sale in August, but a 2.7% decrease from 1.88 million one year ago. Unsold inventory is at a 4.1-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 4.0 months in August and down from the 4.4-month figure recorded in September 2018.”

What does this mean?

While homes are coming to the market, they aren’t coming fast enough! Right now, across the country there is less than 6 months of overall inventory of homes for sale, putting us in a seller’s market. The challenge is that there are not enough homes for sale to increase the supply needed for the number of people who want to buy, especially in the starter and middle-level markets.
To be in a balanced market (meaning we have enough inventory for the number of buyers in the market), we need to have 6 months of inventory available. Today we are nowhere near that number, and as a matter of fact, the last time we reached that height was August 2012 (as shown in the graph below):Thinking of Selling Your Home? The Waiting Is The Hardest Part. | MyKCMWhen we look at the inventory challenge today, we can see that now is a great time to sell your house. Truthfully, waiting may end up being the hardest part in the long run. This landscape is a great place for sellers who own homes in the starter and middle-level markets to take the opportunity to sell in a sellers’ market, before inventory catches up with demand. Serious buyers are actively in the market and ready to make a move at this time of year. When inventory is limited at the lower end, like it is today, selling before more homes are listed could mean a significant seller’s advantage to those who are ready to move up. The upper level of the market has much more inventory available to move into, so it’s a win across the board.

Bottom  Line

If you’re considering selling your home, don’t wait – now is the time to make your move! Take advantage of the high housing demand and the low inventory of homes for sale at the lower end of the market and use your purchasing power while mortgage rates are low to go after the move-up home of your dreams. Let’s get together to decide if now is the right time for you.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Realtor Continuing Education ~ The Pricing Strategy Advisor Certification

Seventeen + years as a Realtor and I'm always learning new things. You have to, there is so much to know to help my clients!

Yesterday I completed a course about home pricing. I've taken appraisal courses, I've been guiding Sellers with pricing of their homes for sale & Buyers with their possible purchases, for all those years.

But, again, I always want to learn more.

At the suggestion of one of our management peeps, I took a one day course, with sooo many sections, that the National Association of Realtors offered.  Once completed, I was also required to watch two lengthy webinars to learn even more about pricing strategies.

Quite honestly, I felt I knew 95% of it already. Really, truly! But, the 5% that I did learn after the hours of class & webinar time? Made it worth it to me. Means I can help my peeps just one teeny-weenie bit more when it comes to buying or selling a home.

It's not just about educating you, like my last post. 
Not just about keeping all of you informed.
 It's also about your favorite Realtor keeping themselves informed
.....so I can better serve you.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Santa Clarita Valley Home Sales Activity October 18, 2019

I see I hadn't done a blog post about sales numbers in a month, it was time!

Although most people think my only job is to help people Sell & Buy homes....it's so much more than that.

And, knowing what's happening in your marketplace is vital to decision making about buying or selling a home.

So, here I go again, keeping you informed!

Remember, Acton to the East, Stevenson Ranch to the West, Newhall to the South and, Castaic to the North is the perimeter I choose for our Santa Clarita Valley home sales info.



As of early this morning we had only 571 homes for sale. That's townhouses, condos, detached homes. 571.

In escrow we had a nice fat number of 484. Many are looking for replacement properties.

Sold in the last 30 days....and I just told another client a similar number.....was 322. Yup, we've been closing about 325 homes every 30 days for quite some time....regardless of the season.

So, if you're thinking about selling your home in the Spring, when everyone else is, read these numbers again. Note that we're still selling a nice number of homes in this Fall season. Big note is if you are under 600, that's the sweet spot....maybe up to 650, still quite sweet too. We've got buyers, good, solid buyers, looking in that price range. Every Single Day.

You may not get the multiple offer situation of 'yesterday', but price it right, market it right, 'stage' it right.....you'll get it sold in a nice timely manner.

Just ask me how ~ Lauren@KeepYourWitz.com ~ (661) 313-5470