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7796 Doug Hill Court In Santaluz
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
SANTALUZ One Story with Panoramic Views!
We are excited to present this one level home that features the perfect combination of refined elegance with comfortable living. High ceilings,spacious rooms, a flexible floor-plan and a very private location are some of the qualities in this exceptional property. Sited on a .63 acre lot the new owner can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the Santaluz golf course.
Home Office Casita on Santaluz Home
There are 2 bedrooms in the main home and a casita office with a separate exterior entrance. The casita could be part of the main home with modification. The office features gorgeous custom built-in shelving and desk space. A full bathroom suite adjoins the office.
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Related Posts: Exclusive Properties, San Diego, Santa Luz
5 Steps To Get Top Dollar For Your Home: Step 4
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
Attention San Diego Home Sellers!! Tell me What You Want!
I have written 3 blogs on this subject in the past few weeks. So far we have covered:
2. Preparing the Home For Sale
Now I want some input from you the customer! I love that word, “customer”. I use it often when seeing all types of people that provide me with a service including my doctors. Many people use the term “clients” but my belief is that all salespeople need to treat the people who are considering giving them their business as “customers.” In order to do this effectively we need obtain information as well as provide information. So, San Diego homeowners here is your chance to let me (as well as other real estate agents that read this) what your expectations are in a real estate agent who you are considering contracting with to sell your property.
Let’s explore the following topics:
PRICING YOUR HOME
Most real estate agents review what is available, what is in escrow and what has sold in the neighborhood their seller lives in. My husband goes 3 steps beyond this and graphs median prices, averages and a standard deviation. We also have viewed all the homes that are currently on the market the so we can provide our sellers with accurate information on how those homes compare with location, features and upgrades. Many times we have also seen the homes that have closed escrow.
Do you feel as a seller you will rely on this information in arriving at a price or do you want an agent to take the figure you have decided to use based on your own opinions/research. Also are you familiar with what we call Value Range Pricing where a range is given; “Seller will entertain offers between $599,900-$649,900.”
STAGING YOUR HOME For A Sale
Do you have expectations that your agents will help council you in staging your home? Are you willing to move furniture, store some items and purchase some items if it will make your home sell faster. If so what would you consider a reasonable budget for this? WE routinely walk a home and make suggestions room by room, see my blog on staging. Staging may not bring you more money although statistics have shown in most cases it does but I can assure you it leads to more interest and a faster sale. Also do you think this is a skill real estate agents should have or do you think it is reasonable to pay for a consultation from a person who does this for a business?
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SHOWINGS
Showing instruction are stated in the MLS for agents to follow when they need to set a time to view a property.There are many ways to schedule showings. Homes can be shown with a lock-box where agents call the owner and if they do not reach them leave a message for a time they will show the home . The home can be shown with an “Appointment Only” where an agents who has the buyer must contact either the listing agent or the owner to set a specific time to show the home. They may then either use a lock box if one is allowed, be shown the home with an agent or seller. Some people believe the higher priced homes are shown by appointment with the listing agent but we actually see many luxury homes on a lock-box especially if they are vacant. As a seller what do you think would be your preferred method of having your home shown?
ADVERTISING YOUR HOME FOR SALE
Research has shown a very small percent of homes sell off of print ads. That said the weekend newspapers are full of print picture ads. As a seller what are your expectations of advertising your home? If you were a buyer how would you begin your home search?
INTERNET EXPOSURE IN SELLING YOUR HOME
The percentage of people searching the web and ending up buying a home from their searches keeps rising. Lets face it, we search for almost everything on line. The information is everywhere, Realtor.com, Trulia, individual websites, blog sites (your are reading this),zillow and the list goes on. Same question, if you as a seller were looking for a home where would you look? What are your expectations for your agents. Would you expect a virtual tour, exposure on the major search engines, U-Tube..tell me what your expectations would be.
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Related Posts: homes for sale, Market Trends, Sellers
5 Steps To Get Top Dollar For Your Home- Step 3
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Leave A Comment »
Creating The Sizzle to Sell Your Home
I have reviewed Pricing Your Home in Step 1, click here to read. In Step 2 I reviewed Preparing Your Home for Sale. click here to review those points. Now in Step 3 I want to help you create the sizzle to sell. There is always an emotional component in buying and selling. Retailers spend millions creating an environment that puts buyers “in the mood” to purchase. When you are shopping have you ever noticed the music playing in the background, admired the mannequins and the way tables are arranged with various products. There is a science to merchandising. When buyers are comparing homes a home will sand out that is marketed properly. Let’s start with the basics:
Taking Professional Photographs of the Home
The majority of home buyers look at areas and homes on the Internet. Therefore it is critical that the pictures reflect the very best way a home can look. The key is to use a professional photographer who is experienced in photographing properties. The equipment of the photographer plays a major role as well as the selection of room angles and areas to highlight. I am always present when a home is photographed. I walk the home and mention the areas I want to be featured. If Step 2 has been followed the home should be prepared for sale with all clutter removed and furniture and accessories arranged attractively so the photographer can showcase the home. A virtual tour is a must and now there are so many options that are available with the tour. Fireplaces and water features can be “moving” and voice over or captions added as well as other options.
Adding the Maximum Number of Photographs to the Internet
The maximum number of photographs need to be added to the MLS and all major websites. In addition each photograph should be labeled to create an action, such as “Al fresco dining will be enjoyed on this lovely patio.” The potential buyer needs to put themselves into an activity. Another example would be; ” Summer parties will be fun with this pool and BBQ Island.” If the yard is small with low care this can be a selling feature for someone who wants to go to the beach instead of doing weekend yard work. As a seller it is always helpful to tell your agent what you enjoyed most about the home. Recently one of my selleres told me the thing he liked the most about his property was the location. He was able to walk to 4S Ranch Commons to enjoy the restaurants, shop or go to the library. so brary and stores. Taking pictures of the community is part of the process as people are buying a home are also buying a neighborhood. If there is a community center or club it should be photographed and amenities and features noted. 
Writing “Remarks” in the MLS and other Websites
A concise but informative remarks section is key to creating motivation for the buyer to see the home. I always ask my sellers to edit my remarks section which I find helpful. Again, who knows the home better than the owner! The basic facts need to be outlined and there is a supplemental section that can be used to add additional information. I stick to the key features and upgrades,” the sizzle sells.” If it is a distress sale the condition should be stated in easy to understand terms. There should be some action requested,”Be first to see, only Plan 3 on the market, nicest 3 bedroom available…”
Preparing a Professional Brochure
It is essential that a flyer be created and available in the home for all showings. It is very helpful to have a floor plan attached. Buyers are seeing multiple homes and it can be very confusing to remember all the features and layout. A brochure will allow them to do a review and is especially effective if a few pictures are added.
There are many distressed properties on the market and so it is even more important that a “normal” sale be priced, prepared and marketed proerly so it stands out and buyers recognize the value and appeal of owning such a home.
Related Posts: Area Information, homes for sale, San Diego, Sellers
Custom Home with Guest Wing + Home Offices!
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 2 Comments »
Newly Listed 8178 Run of the Knolls Court in Santaluz
Lovely Custom Home in Santaluz
If you are looking for a very private and well designed home that accommodates guests or live in family you will find this home to be the perfect fit! It took more than a year to plan, design and build this gorgeous custom home that is loaded with thoughtful upgrades and the finest finishes. The .97 view lot is on a quiet cul de sac. Clients will love all the entertaining possibilities. The vanishing Weiland doors in the great room lead to an over sized covered loggia which can be used year round. The salt water pool, bubbling spa and waterfall feature in the pool along with a BBQ Island, and 2 putting greens will allow for lots of relaxing and weekend fun for everyone!
Home lives like a One Story!
This home lives much like a One Story home with the master suite, 2 secondary suites and the guest wing all on the first floor. The Guest suite is self contained with a full kitchen, bedroom/bath, living room, hobby room and 2 car garage. People who have regular guests or live in family will love this private yet contained wing .
Home Offices, Fitness Room
There are 2 offices on the 2nd level of this home as well as a large fitness room and bath suite. The fitness room could easily be converted to a bedroom. Exterior staircase access allows this level to be easily used as a home office.
Gracious living will be enjoyed in this property with @6338 square feet and over 900 more square feet under roof in covered patios and loggia space. There is complete integration of exterior and interior spaces.
Santaluz is a gated communitySome additional features include:
Four fireplaces, whole house EWS water filtration, surround sound,Insta-hot water in kitchen, 2 large water heaters, jetted master tub, 4 exterior fountains,multiple air cond and heating units for NRG efficiency and zoning, granite on all counters, Cantera Stone columns and exterior finish, 5 space garages (#/2), full bar in Game room with refrigerator and D/W,Alder wood cabinets and multiple built-ins, marble farm house sink in kitchen, Weiland disappearing door in great room, firepit, BBQ island with refrigerator and sink, pavers in driveway and lush well planned landscaping. Enjoy the virtual tour, click here!
Master suite has access to pool and spa
Enjoy Membership in the Santaluz Club
The Santaluz Club Spa level Membership is available to new owners providing Club Dining privileges, spa use, tennis, fitness and Camp Santaluz as well as many social functions. This membership may be upgraded to a Golf Membership to enjoy the award winning Rees-Jones course at Santaluz. This can be negotiable or done at buyer’s expense. A close 30 minute commute to San Diego Airport this home is ideally situated close to all freeways, coastal beaches, major medical and shopping facilities.
Value Priced Santaluz Custom Home
Listed at $2,775,000 the sellers are looking at all offers and are motivated to sell this beautiful property.It could not be duplicated today at asking price! For a private tour of this home please click here!
For additonal info on Santaluz go to www.SanDiegoHomeInfoBlog.com/Santaluz
Related Posts: Buyers, San Diego, Santa Luz
5 Steps to Get Top Dollar for Your Home #2
Posted by Gretchen Pagnotta | Currently 1 Comment »
Preparing The Home For A Sale Part 2
Last week I blogged on the first step in getting top dollar for your home which is Setting a Realistic Price. Please refer to: http://sandiegohomeinfoblog.com/2010/12/18/5-steps-to-get-top-dollar-for-your-home/ for this blog. Today I would like to address Preparing the Home For a Sale. I always encourage sellers to visit a model home prior to listing their home. Models have been decorated by professionals who have the skills to make the homes look spacious and appealing. These “ticks of the trade” can be adapted by homeowners and any cost will be gained by a higher sales price and faster sale.
Let’s start with some basics:
1. Curb Appeal: Stand on the street and view the front of the home. Would you want to knock on the front door and see more. If not, get busy; plant some color, trim trees that block the front elevation, fertilize grass and trim and mow, power wash the sidewalks and driveway (and house and roof as needed), paint, clean or stain the front door and replace hardware as needed (or polish), wash the light fixtures, make sure door bell is operative, have a new potted plant at entry and a new “Welcome Mat” and paint exterior if there is any sign of chipped, discolored paint on siding or garage door.
2. Creating a Sense of Space:As you enter the front door take a close look at the furniture arrangement, odors, condition of the walls and flooring. If the room looks at all crowded and if it is difficult to walk through the room rearrange the furniture or put extra tables, chairs, sofas into storage. Needless to say all clutter needs to go and this includes personal pictures. You want the clients looking at space and rooms not your prized positions and family photos. Also any religious articles need to be tucked away. Paint and carpet are the least expensive items to replace and will bring you their value back twofold so if cleaning does not make things looks fresh call your painter and get some new flooring. I have found credits for carpet and paint to be less effective than having the work done prior to listing. Clean, clean, clean to eliminate any household odors and show pride of ownership. All cat/dog supplies need to be put away for showings since not all people are animal lovers. Again, clutter is a distraction so counters need to be cleared. I find baskets with personal bathroom items are handy and can be stored under sinks for easy access. One basket in the kitchen can hold keys, lists, and other items that seem to gravitate toward the kitchen counters.
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Related Posts: San Diego, Sellers
