December Newsletter

Happy Holidays from Mary!

Creating Continuity with Color in La Quinta

New Listing at 80282 Merion, La Quinta –
New Colors throughout house!!

The increasing popularity of open floor plans in today’s homes presents some unique decorating challenges. How do you give each room an individual focus without its colors clashing with the decor in the rooms adjoining it? Use these tips to create a unified look in your home.

Ribbon of Color

Perhaps the easiest way to form a connection between the rooms of your home is to use a single color in varying amounts for each room. Most people choose a neutral color, but “neutral” has been redefined for the twenty-first century. Rather than being limited to shades of white, black and brown, neutral colors now run the gamut from pale, cloudy blues to warm, earthy grays.

• Here are a few methods you can use to incorporate a single color in your decorating scheme.

• Use your chosen hue to paint the trim in each room.

• Change it up a bit. You might use the same shade on the walls in one room, in furniture pieces in another, and in accessories like throw pillows or rugs elsewhere.

• If you do use a predominant color in one room, vary the textures to keep it visually interesting.

Perfect Trifecta

Colors work well in groups of three. If you remember the color wheel from your elementary school art days, you know that there are a variety of combinations to be achieved. Three hues that are next to each other form an analogous palette. Add a little more drama by switching an analogous color for one directly opposite your other choices; a split complimentary combo. Finally, a triad provides the highest contrast with color selections spaced equally apart in thirds on the color wheel. Just because you decide to stick to three colors doesn’t mean you have to paint every room the exact same shades. Experiment with the intensity of those shades. You might choose more vibrant values for a child’s playroom and more sophisticated hues for your living or dining area.

Additional Ideas

Now that you know how to choose colors that blend well together, try these suggestions to add personality to each room while maintaining your home’s flow.

• Lighting plays a big part in how a color looks on your walls. You can emphasize this effect by using a lighter shade in an area with more natural light and a slightly darker one in an artificially lit area; you can mitigate the effect by reversing those choices.

• Furniture should contrast your walls. If it doesn’t, use darker shades on walls and lighter ones for furniture, or vice versa. Remember, in a monochromatic color scheme, rich texture is a must to keep your decor from looking bland.

• If you want to display artworkor a cherished piece, contrast color or brightness to make it really pop.

Evoking a feeling of continuity in your home is easy once you understand the role that color plays. Experiment with pattern, texture and shade values to unify the rooms in your home. Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process. If you’re coming back to the desert this winter, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Contact me today!!

Follow me on Facebook!!

*article provided by Wingwire

It’s not too late for the 2014 CVRM Annual Toy Drive!

DID YOU KNOW? Coachella Valley Rescue Mission will provide over 5000 kids this Christmas with toys, and They NEED YOUR HELP!!

Please drop off your toy donations directly to the Mission in Indio and help those kids wishes come true! You can also deliver a toy to the California Desert Association of REALTORS® at 44475 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert!

OR many Donation Boxes are also located throughout the desert at multiple Coachella Valley businesses and organizations in support of CVRM’s Annual Toy Drive to benefit Coachella Valley children in need.

Follow them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cvrmrescuemission or for more information, please contact Linda Garland at 760-347-3512 x221 or lgarland@cvrm.org/

‘tis the Season for giving!!

**Above information is from CVRM for informational purposes only.

Should You Sell Your House in the Desert During The Holidays?

Whether you’re live in the Desert year-round or just during the winter, you know we are now “In Season” in the Desert. That means more people are here in the Desert. So even if it’s the Holidays and there are many festivities; you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to sell your home!!

Time Out for Busy Schedules

For some, the holiday season is meant to relax, but for others, it means a tight schedule. If you plan to do a lot of entertaining through the first week of the year, it may be a good idea to hold off on selling your home. Likewise, if your home isn’t staged and prepped for an open house or buyer walkthrough, it’s okay to focus on family and place your sale on hold temporarily. However, there are some advantages if you do choose to keep your home on the market.

Less Competition

Plenty of other sellers have the same idea; taking their homes off the list during the holidays. They may believe that there’s less likelihood of a sale, or they may simply not want to juggle a home sale and a busy schedule. Either way, it works to your advantage. With fewer homes on the market, there’s less to distract potential buyers.

Serious Buyers

Because the holidays are a busy time, buyers looking for homes during this season are typically more motivated than average house hunters. New jobs or tax benefits are just a couple of the reasons that motivate serious purchasers to take time out of their holiday schedule to find a new home. You’ll have better luck if you keep times and contract terms (such as move-in/move-out schedules) flexible.

Holiday Appeal

Even the most scholarly buyer who has put in hours of research will ultimately reach a conclusion based on one thing: whether or not the home feels right. That isn’t to say that price and condition aren’t factors at all, but once those initial conditions have been met, it all comes down to how homey the house feels. Since your home is already decked out for the holidays, it looks and feels great. Warm lights, garland, pine cones and other seasonal decor recall happy memories. Simmer a pot of warm apple cider on the stove and offer some during an open house or buyer walkthrough. Throw in a peeled orange studded with cloves and a stick or two of cinnamon for a cozy Christmas scent that’s sure to delight the senses as well.

Holiday Selling Tips

Try these tips to make the best of your holiday house selling.

• Simplify. Christmas clutter is still clutter. Ask your real estate agent to look things over and recommend a more polished look both indoors and outside.

• Coordinate. Don’t use clashing colors to decorate. For instance, a cool blue living room will look much better with pale blue and white or gold globes or snowflakes than with bright red bows and tons of greenery.

• Highlight. Use decorations to bring attention to your home’s features; a Christmas candle or menorah in a bay window, or a sprig of mistletoe in a beautiful archway. Avoid obscuring French doors or paned windows with stick-on decals or spray snow.

Bottom Line

Depending on your family’s schedule, the holidays may or may not be the right time to sell your home. If you decide to remain on the market, take advantage of the season’s dedicated buyers and lowered competition to put your home at the forefront. If you’re still not sure, give me a call today!! I will show you how I will get the most Holiday exposure for your home! Need some help staging for the Holidays? I certainly can help you with that as well!!

Follow me on Facebook!!

**Article provided by Wingwire.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

  As we express our gratitude, we must   never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

2014 November Newsletter

Art Under the Umbrellas

Art Under the Umbrellas -
Saturday Nov. 15 10am to 4pm at Old Town La Quinta

With the weather cooling and the Valley’s population of Snowbirds returning in full force, LQAF is now set to present its next edition of Art Under the Umbrellas. 

Last year’s second show was the most successful event of the entire Art Under the Umbrellas season, and expectations are high for this one as well. Over 80 Southern California artists will converge along the streets of Old Town La Quinta exhibiting newly created works in painting, glass, ceramic, jewelry, wood, sculpture, photography, fiber, and mixed media.

Patrons will be entertained by the energetic Steve Madaio Band throughout the day. Along with its specialty boutiques, Old Town La Quinta offers a great selection of restaurants including the popular Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill  to enjoy a leisurely lunch and cocktails.

As always, admission and parking are both free.  Directions:  From I-10 or Highway 111, take Washington Street south. Go west on Calle Tampico for two blocks; Old Town is on the left.

Featured Artist: Robert Ferguson

Ever popular American Impressionist Robert Ferguson will introduce his new line of high quality canvas transfer prints that are miniatures of his larger works reduced to 8”x10” and 10”x10” sizes (unframed). They are beautifully framed in patina gold leaf and matt enameled wooden frames custom made to complement the works. Each is hand signed by Ferguson. These make great gifts and are very affordable starter collector pieces at only $175.00.

Featured Artist: Erin Hanson

Hanging precariously and horizontally from red sandstone, 50 feet above the ground, may not seem like it would inspire the creation of beautiful oil paintings, but that is exactly what stirs Erin Hanson's artistic soul.

Hanson has developed a unique style of painting using as few brush strokes as possible to create fresh, vibrant, alive paintings of magnificent and dramatic landscapes, some on the grand scale of 40 feet. Her unique, minimalist method of placing impasto paint strokes without layering has been dubbed “Open-Impressionism.”

**information provided by La Quinta Arts Foundation

5 DIY Network Shows That Teach Home Improvement and Repair

What if you could be entertained and learn how to improve or repair your home at the same time? With these informative shows from the DIY Network, you can do just that. Read on for an introduction to each show and a brief overview of what you can expect to see.

This New House

You may recognize host Kevin O’Connor from the sister show This Old House. Rather than focus on the renovation of historic homes, This New Househighlights recent innovations in new building techniques, technology and materials. Co-host Amy Matthews collaborates with Kevin to teach viewers how to add smart features to their homes.

What you’ll learn: 

-New construction innovations.

-Which materials and techniques to use for building your own home.

Rescue Renovation

Have you ever gotten halfway through a renovation project only to find that you’ve taken on more than you can handle? Rescue Renovation host Kayleen McCabe meets with homeowners and analyzes where the project went wrong. Kayleen then creates a week-long plan to turn the failed renovation around and create something wonderful.

What you’ll learn:

-What not to do on your projects.

-Ways to rescue your own renovation gone wrong.

Sweat Equity

Would you like to learn how to increase your home’s value by $10,000 or more in just a couple of weekends? Check out Sweat Equity. Host Amy Matthews and her team of professionals work with homeowners to transform unused or unloved spaces into purposeful design. Learn where to budget for big-ticket items and when to opt for cost-saving selections.

What you’ll learn:

-How to get the best bang for your renovation buck.

-Ideas for unused rooms or space in your own home.

Finders Fixers

If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably aware of the creaks, squeaks and bangs that homes develop during use. Hosts Wally Conway, Rick Yerger and Tim Hockenberry are pro home inspectors who help property owners sleuth out and properly repair little things that can add up to create a big mess if unaddressed. No project is too big or small; everything from reseating a leaky toilet to securing a sliding house is found and fixed.

What you’ll learn:

-Signs and symptoms of typical home wear and tear.

-How to fix problems you find.

Disaster House

Part mythbusters and part home repair show, Disaster House follows host Josh Temple as he conducts slightly outrageous experiments that mimic and accelerate unforeseen catastrophes or typical wear and tear in a home. From a roller derby on hardwood floors, to dropping a 1,000 lb. piano from almost 10 stories, or clogging a toilet with the assistance of a 4-ton elephant named Page, nothing is too zany for this show to try. Once the damage is done, Josh and his team take viewers through the steps needed to repair it.

What you’ll learn:

-Types of typical home damage and their fun and crazy equivalents.

-How to repair moderate to major issues that crop up in well-used homes.

These 5 shows incorporate innovation, redirection, thrift, detection and daring destruction to teach you more about home repair and renovation. So pop some popcorn, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and take a seat. You can have your education and your entertainment.

Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?  Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process.

If you’re coming back to the desert soon, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

Contact me today!!

**information provided by wingwire

Happy Veterans Day!!

No one is more deserving of a home than our Veterans who risk their lives to defend our freedom to have one.

Here's a BIG Thank You to ALL of our Veterans!!

**image is from http://va.gov/

Value of Remodeling in the La Quinta Area

Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?

Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process.

If you’re coming back to the desert soon, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

 Contact me today!!

**information provided by the California Association of Realtors

Buying a New vs. Previously Owned Home

When you’re house hunting, it’s important to narrow down your selection to make the best use of your time. One of the major aspects you’ll have to consider is whether to buy or build a new home, or purchase one that’s pre-owned. Take a look at the pros and cons each type of home offers.

Pricing

Generally speaking, newer homes cost more per square foot than older homes, unless you’re buying into a fashionable neighborhood or purchasing historical property. However, the higher price tag means that you won’t have to deal with outdated materials or pre-existing issues. You can also customize a new home to your specifications, rather than go through the costly process of remodeling. In addition, builders may have an advantage over buyers when it comes to securing financing.

 Older homes often cost much less, but you’ll need to set aside an additional portion of the purchase price - usually 10 to15 percent - to cover any renovations or repairs that may be needed. If after a thorough inspection your newly calculated price still falls quite a bit lower than the cost of a new home, you may be better off buying an older place. Don’t forget that quality counts too. A well-maintained older home has already weathered the test of time.

What You See...

The adage “what you see is what you get” isn’t always true. A new show home may feature a beautifully landscaped yard and driveway or a lovely deck, but that doesn’t mean those features are included in your purchase price. Be sure to read the fine print and take into account anything that’s not considered part of the house.

 Previously owned homes should always be inspected to uncover any issues that might be hidden. For a few hundred dollars, you can have an expert take a good look at the home to get an idea of what may be needed to bring the house up to par. An inspection is well worth the cost, and can save you thousands of dollars or more.

Safe or Ecofriendly Materials

Today’s building codes are designed to create occupant-friendly homes, making those houses easier to navigate than some of their older counterparts. Many codes also have requirements for the use of ecofriendly or low-emission materials that can be better for your health.

 Speaking of health, a variety of materials used in older homes can pose health hazards. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes until the late 1970s, and can cause severe health problems or death if ingested or inhaled during renovations. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was used for insulation and texture as late as the 1990s. Removal of either substance can be quite expensive.

Maintenance

While newer homes are often under warranty for major structural defects for up to a decade, you should still take the time to look for any potential problems. Our ancestors built homes with the predetermined notion that it would be a generational dwelling, not just a temporary residence. On that note, if you’re buying new, be sure your builder is reputable and takes pride in their work. Construction crews under pressure may cut corners that will cost you long after they’re gone.

Now that you’ve learned more about the differences between older and newer homes, put your newfound knowledge to work for you. Contact me today! What features would you like to see in your home?

 **Article provided by Wingwire

Turn Your Clocks Back THIS Sunday!

It's that time of year again to turn your clocks BACK an hour on Sunday, November 2nd. This is also a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries, too!!

Millennials—The Home Buyers of Tomorrow -- are they the "answer"?

“Despite recent news reports of young adults moving back home to live with Mom and Dad, millennials haven’t completely written off homebuying and still aspire to owning a home,” said C.A.R. President Kevin Brown.  “What’s encouraging is that while many saw their parents or friends struggle through the housing crisis, the majority haven’t changed their attitude toward homeownership.  Young buyers may have to delay their home purchase, but they eventually hope to own their own home.” CAR.org

The 2014 California Association of REALTORS® Millennials Survey looked at those born between 1980 and 1996, or 18 to 34 year olds, who currently live in California. The Survey focused on renters and home owners and found that one in five are homeowners, 41% are renters and 36% live with their parents. When looking specifically at 18-26 year olds, the Survey revealed that nearly half (49%) live with their parents.

Demographically, they are very diverse—62% are minorities. This generation is known for delaying marriage and having children; the majority are not married and nearly half do not have children. They are, however, well educated; 46% of 27 to 34 year olds have a college degree and 42% of 18 to 26 year olds are currently enrolled in a college.

Despite many having a higher education, their earnings and employment have some catching up to do. Only about half of echo boomers are currently employed, and only one-third have a full time job; 19% have a part time job, 24% are students and 20% are unemployed. This bleak employment situation translates to a median annual income of $35,000. There is a silver lining for earnings; older millennials (those between 27 and 34 years old) have a median annual household income of $50,000, compared to $30,000 for their younger cohort (18 to 26 year olds). 

Renters

Approximately two out of five millennials are renters, paying a median monthly rent of $1,075. Affordable rent is the most important reason for electing to live in their current residence and also why the majority rent instead of buying—67% said they rent because they cannot afford to buy.

While they may not be able to afford to buy a home now, most Gen Y renters feel that homeownership is important because it gives them the freedom to do what they want with the property, and they expect to buy a property within the next five years.

Echo boomers in California prefer single family homes, as two out of three indicated they plan to purchase a single family home, compared to only 12% who plan to purchase a townhome or condominium. Contrary to popular belief, the ideal home for many would be on a big lot with lots of land (42%) in the suburbs (41%). Fewer than one in three indicated an urban location preference for their ideal home.

While they aspire towards home ownership, the majority are uncertain or doubtful they could obtain a mortgage now. Millennials are realistic about the responsibility that comes with the territory. Affordable home price, problems with credit/mortgages/taxes and maintenance are some of their biggest concerns about home ownership. About half of Gen Y renters have student debt, which is below $20,000 for many, so they do not feel it is preventing them from qualifying for a mortgage. However, the majority have other debt, such as credit cards and auto loans, which would make it difficult for them to buy a home.

Additional findings from C.A.R.’s “2014 Millennial Survey” include:

• Of the millennial renters, the majority (67%) rent because they can’t afford to purchase a home.
• Like any other home buying segments, millennials are concerned about high home prices and affordability, with nearly half (45%) citing those as their biggest concern about homeownership.
• One in two millennial renters has student debt, but most don’t feel it is preventing them from qualifying for a mortgage.  Additionally, more than four in 10 (43%) don’t have debt that would prevent them from buying a home.
• Even though many millennials saw their parents struggle through the recession, more than half (59%) said the housing crisis didn’t affect their attitude toward homeownership being a good investment.
• Despite the stereotypes that these young adults mostly seek urban living with a high walkability factor, millennials said they prefer single-family homes on large lots in the suburbs, with two out of three (67%) indicating they plan to purchase a single-family detached home, while only 12% said they plan to purchase a townhome or condominium.
• While they aspire toward homeownership, the majority was uncertain or doubtful they could obtain a mortgage now, with 45% saying they were not sure, and 33% saying they would not be able to obtain a mortgage now.

What does this mean for you? If this generation starts purchasing homes, homebuying will trickle up. More home buyers will be able to enter the market and more sellers will be able to sell their homes.

I can discuss this with you more in depth – especially with “Season” knocking at our door. More buyers and sellers will be coming to the Desert over the next few months making this the best time to buy or sell your home. Call me today and let me show you why I’m your best choice to work with in the Desert.

Follow me on Facebook!!

**above information is from the California Association of REALTORS(R)

Should You Add On to Your Home?

Often, the need for increased space or the desire for extra amenities dictates whether or not homeowners add on to their property. However, there are other things to consider when making your decision. Look at these issues thoroughly before committing to a major remodel.

It May Not Be a Good Investment

Know that when you make major changes to a house, you are changing the property’s value. A good rule of thumb is to keep improvements consistent with other homes in your neighborhood. An upscale bath with a walk-in shower won’t net you a good return if you’re the only one in your neighborhood who has one.

Remember that if the improvements do raise your home’s value, you’ll be subject to higher taxes. In other words, your initial investment isn’t the only thing you’ll be paying out. Heating and cooling costs can also rise considerably, depending on the size of your addition and the materials used.

Count the Cost

In addition to the above mentioned concerns, you’ll need to budget for the actual work itself. How much can you do yourself, and where will you need to hire experts? Generally speaking, additions cost anywhere from $100 per foot at the low end to $200 per foot or more at the high end.

It also takes time to accomplish the work that needs to be done. Will your home be usable while you’re waiting for the contractor to finish? How will weather or material delays figure in? If you need professionals, will they work on a flat bid basis or will they be paid hourly? Get answers to these questions during the planning stage itself.

Form and Function Should Be Complimentary

There’s nothing like an ugly add-on to detract from the beauty of your home. At the very least, invest in a design software before beginning your project. Consulting an architect or designer is recommended.

Keep additions proportionate to the original building, using the same details, colors, and materials to promote continuity. Also, look at the historical use of additions in homes similar to yours. This will help you decide the best place for your remodel. For instance, a covered passage from the house to the barn may be appropriate in chilly New England, but it would look completely incongruous in sunny California.

Stay in the Zone

Be sure to check local ordinances before beginning your project. Zoning restrictions can limit a number of things, including property margins that dictate how much space must be left vacant between the building and the edge of your land. Other considerations are nearby wetlands or wildlife habitats, and the amount of impermeable materials used in the entire structure.

Work Smart

Adding on to your home can be a great way to increase the value of your property, gain extra space, or provide an accessible area to a disabled loved one. Do your homework before the first spade of earth is turned. Planning in the early stages avoids costly surprises and ensures your work will remain true to the aesthetic of your home.

Follow me on FACEBOOK!!

**Article provided by Wingwire

October Newsletter

October Newsletter
For more information click HERE.

Riverside County, September 2014 Sales

How LONG Could a Remodel Take??

We have been discussing renovation and staging recently and I’m sure you’ve been wondering how long it can take for some projects. It does depend on what we run into once the project starts like unforeseen repairs, product delays or weather. However, there are a few projects that are a bit easier to project than others … here are just a few: 

One Bedroom

This usually can take one to two months which includes the contractor discussing the details with the planner, examination of the grounds, check to make sure if there may be any permits needed and to possibly work with any foundation or structural concerns. 

A Bathroom

While bathrooms do take less time and money than a kitchen, you can still plan 2 to 3 months from start to finish. Generally bathrooms do not need extensive electrical or ventilation additions, but plumbing can take quite a bit of time, especially if you’re replacing a simple tub with a ceramic walk-in shower with multiple shower heads. Planning is essential when planning a bathroom and it is also essential you work with a seasoned professional to bring your plans to life. 

Room Addition

If the contractor builds the additional outside room and doesn’t open the wall until after it’s almost completed, it won’t seem long at all. However, it will take about one to two months.

Not sure if you should remodel, refresh or stage your home?

Give me a call and together we can go over your options. A little or a lot, I will be able to walk you through the process.

If you’re coming back to the desert soon, why not start refreshing your Desert home now, so it’s all ready for your arrival!!

2015 Stagecoach Passes GO ON SALE October 14th!!!

Announcing!!

The official line up for the 9th annual
Stagecoach Country Music Festival
taking place April 24-26, 2015 will include:

TIM MCGRAW
MIRANDA LAMBERT
BLAKE SHELTON
DIERKS BENTLE
JAKE OWEN
THE BAND PERRY
JUSTIN MOORE
ZZ TOP
SARA EVANS
KIP MOORE
MERLE HAGGARD and MANY MORE!

PASSES GO ON SALE TuesdayOctober 14th @ 10:00 am (PDT).

PASSES

You can choose CORRAL STANDING PIT, CORRAL RESERVED SEATING or GA (general admission). All passes have ALL IN PRICING. What you see is what you pay, including all fees and domestic shipping. Pay in full or choose 50% now + 50% in December.

Click a link below to stay updated!!

FAQ * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * INSTAGRAM * TUMBLR * YOUTUBE * GOOGLE+

OTHER FESTIVAL ATTRACTIONS

Kids can look forward to having all kinds of fun in the Half Pint Hootenanny, while all you grown-ups can dance it up in the Honky-Tonk Dance Hall. We'll have our delicious annual BBQ competition returning as well.

**All information above is from The Stagecoach Festival.

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help You Find Your Dream Home

Many people start the home buying process without a good idea of what to expect or what purchasing a home entails. Family members can sometimes offer sound advice. You can also find pertinent information online. But what if there was a guide who could assist you through every step of the process?

Why an Agent Is Beneficial

Real estate agents are specially trained to walk clients through buying a home. They often live in or around the area where their offices are located, and are familiar with local attractions and amenities. Agents also have established relationships with area bankers, lenders and city officials. Your agent puts his or her experience to work for you by providing you the expertise needed to help you find the right home at the right price.

Types of Agents

There are a few different kinds of real estate agents.

• A real estate broker can be a person, firm or corporation. A broker is licensed to sell property for a fee or commission. Each agency or office is owned by a broker.
• Real estate salespersons, or agents, can’t act as a broker, but they are the ones you’ll work with the most. Agents show homes and draw up contracts for the broker.
• Buyer’s agents and seller’s agents work on behalf of the buyer and seller, respectively.

Qualities to Look for in an Agent

Selecting an agent to represent you warrants careful consideration. Look for these attributes in your chosen agent.

• Ethical - Any agent who represents you should be willing to disclose any problems your potential purchase may have, as well as recuse themselves in the event of a conflict of interest.

• Competent - Your agent should have done the necessary legwork before you are ever shown a home; pre-inspecting properties, choosing homes that fit your price range and planning carefully are all good signs.

• Committed - Real estate agents who make a full-time living from their job are more likely to be invested in a satisfactory transaction than part-time agents.

• Professional - Your agent should have a minimum of three years of experience in residential real estate sales.

• Community-oriented - The agent you choose will have a much better idea of what the neighborhood or city is like if he or she is a local resident.

Bigger Selection

In addition to the community ties and business relationships that your agent puts to work on your behalf, each representative also has access to a database of property listings. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) contains information on most if not all of the properties for sale in a community, complete with price, pictures, and any other relevant data. Selections can be narrowed in several ways, from the number of bedrooms or bathrooms to price or square footage. By choosing the right real estate agent to represent your new purchase, you’ll have access to someone who can answer your questions and leverage their business relationships and experience on your behalf. The right agent can help you find the dream home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. **Guest blog article provided by Wingwire.

Do you know what DOESN’T work when staging your Home in the Desert?

While we’re still on the subject of staging your home, I’d like to touch base on what doesn’t work ….

[social]Spending money on renovations that don’t work.

As tempting as it is to make all those updates you were meaning to do … don’t do them now just because you’re listing your home. (Unless it is for a repair.) Instead of a complete cabinet replacement, perhaps a few handles and knobs will freshen up your home. New linens or paint also go a long way to making a home look updated.

Leaving old furniture behind.

When you’ve already purchased your new place before you other has sold, it’s so tempting to take your best stuff to the new home; leaving the older stuff to either convey with the home or store there until the home sells. Your home on the market should be well furnished (staged) or completely empty. Any furniture just left behind will look as if the home was abandoned and not in a good light at all.

Using smells to cover up smells.

Nothing turns off a buyer than a strong whiff of air freshener or cleaner. I know your home is supposed to be clean, but sometimes it can smell “too” clean … like you’re masking something. Keep your home clean, but don’t spray disinfectant around right before a showing. Let the home smell clean because it is clean. Also, don’t put vanilla on the light bulbs or burn candles. Again – buyers could presume you’re hiding something.

Playing Music during a showing or Open House.

Don’t. Not only could your taste not be the same as the potential buyer/s viewing your home, but it just may be copyright infringement. Best to keep the tunes and tv off.

A Bland Room

As I have mentioned before, when listing your home, you will need to declutter. This generally means removing anything and everything personal – photos, trophies, grandkid’s artwork … just until you move into your new home. However, sometimes this makes a room look too bland. A professional stager will highlight your home’s best attributes and make things pop. Simple things like colorful pillows or a flower arrangement makes a room inviting instead of humdrum.

So, if you want to know more about staging your home or have questions about what remodel or renovation could help the sale of your home, call me today. I have tips and suggestions showing you exactly how you’ll benefit from staging your home to sell!

Follow me on Facebook!!

Riverside County September 2014 Sales

Mary's September 2014 Newsletter

September 2014 Newsletter
For more information click HERE

Staging Tips to sell your home in the Desert

Ever wonder what kind of home in the Desert brings the most interest, get top dollar, and sells the quickest?

It just may be a home that is “Staged”.

Our busiest season coming up, the real estate market soon to be gaining momentum in the Desert, making this a great time to get your home ready to sell.

Here are some tips in staging your home to sell in the Desert:

• Neutralize:  Most people think that staging is about decorating, this is not the case.  Youare trying to appeal to the average buyer and if they make an emotional attachment to your home they will see themselves living there.  This is often missed and is a BIG part of staging.

• Declutter:  By rearranging or storing furniture, thinning out your closets, and reducing the things on your bookshelf can change a room.  Too much clutter in a room will prevent a buyer from seeing the beauty of the room or its size.

•  Remove Distractions:  You want to buyer to see your home and not your things so by storing your collections and family pictures a buyers won’t feel like they are invading your space.  Also, don’t forget to store anything that may seem offensive for example something religious, political, guns, or animal trophies hanging on the wall.

•  Rejuvenate:  By putting a fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls, washing windows, or replacing worn out fixtures can go a long way.  A buyer sees these as something they have to replace and may start to subtract from your asking price or if it think it is to much they could walk away.  Buyers want a move-in ready homes.

If staging sounds like too big of a task, consider hiring a professional stager. Hiring a stager just may be cheaper than a price reduction or stuck with paying for two mortgages later.  Additionally if the home is vacant, it won’t show well, you may want to consider renting furniture.

Staged homes sell for a larger profit and sell in nearly half the time on in La Quinta and Desert area.  A notable difference, indeed.

So, if you want to know if you stage your home or have questions about how your home may measure up with the other homes, call me today. I have the tips and suggestions showing you exactly how you can listyour home with me to sell now!

Follow me on Facebook!!

Do you use the internet when searching for your Home on the Desert?

According to the 2014 Survey of California Home Buyers:

• More than 77% of home buyers used social media in their home search

Buyers said they primarily used social media to obtain buying tips and suggestions from:

• Friends (44%)
• Neighborhood information (44%)
• View their agents’ Facebook pages (42%).
• 91% of California home buyers said they used a mobile device to access the Internet during the course of their home purchase.
• Buyers also used their mobile devices to look for comparable home prices (78%)
• Search for homes (45%)
• Take photos of neighborhoods, homes, and amenities (43%).

Conversely, with the increased use of social media, fewer buyers “Googled” their agent (50% in 2014, down from 68% in 2013), turning to agents’ Facebook pages instead.

Whether you’re here in the Desert of across the United States, finding the right home in La Quinta and the surrounding areas has gotten that much easier using the internet and email. Not sure which sites to use? Call me today and I will set up a search for you! OR click here – it’s as easy as that!

Let’s start today so you can enjoy winters in the Desert!!

**All information is from CAR.org

Happy Labor Day from Mary!!

What is Labor Day and how did it start?

Have a safe Holiday weekend!!

August 2014 Newsletter

For a copy to print, click HERE.

Do you still have a High Water Bill in the Desert?

Since we are so water conscious in the Desert and have been working very hard to conserve water, what if your water bill is still high?

It may be your toilet.

A silent leaky toilet is generally the culprit. Toilets along can waste up to 200 GALLONS of water A DAY!! However, it may not be as bad as it sounds … and may not even require a repairperson.

Test your toilet to make sure it is not leaking.

• Clean the toilet bowl.

• Grab food coloring – use a bright color.

• Add a few drops into your toilet tank – not the bowl. This is where all the “guts” to the toilet are.

• Wait about 15 minutes and make sure the toilet isn’t used or flushed.

• If there is color in your bowl from the dye, your flapper is probably leaking. If not, your toilet should be good!

• If your flapper is allowing water to pass, reach in and run your fingers along the bottom and rim of the flapper. Sometimes a piece of something will leave just enough of an opening to allow water to leak into the stool. Sometimes the flapper just wears out.

To replace the flapper:

We’re all in this together! One way to help save water is to install water conserving appliances and plumbing. That’s where I can help!   Give me a call to help you make your home more water conserving and energy efficient.

Follow me on Facebook!

Desert Area Homes for Sale

Your dream home awaits … Call 760-567-7282 today! Below are the latest properties featured in this week’s ad. Call me to see any of these great homes!

 

La Quinta Resort

We're a nice place to visit, but you'll really WANT to live here!!