Benefits Of House-Hunting During The Holiday Season

  When you're writing out the holiday shopping list, maybe it's time to put your name on it and a home as the gift. If you've been considering buying a home, here are a few reasons why shopping for one during the holiday season can benefit you.

Yes, it may involve you really prioritizing your time; the holiday season is a busy time. But if you can make time to house-hunt and you have already been pre-approved so you know how much home you can afford, then this could be a very good experience. And it may lead you to a new home in time for Christmas!

Like many businesses, the holiday season can cause things to slow way down. That's often the case for real estate. However, that doesn't mean you won't find eager sellers hoping you'll make an offer on their homes. Even though there are parties, kids' social activities and end-of-the-year work commitments, real estate sellers are still ready to let you step inside their homes to see if you'll find one is a good fit.

When real estate slows down, that means mortgages slow down. So this is a good time to get a mortgage. There's a chance your loan will move through the process faster. That doesn't mean you will have lax guidelines, rather it means that if there are fewer loans to process, yours can move along faster.

Some say that you have fewer options because inventory drops during the holiday season. While that may be true, it doesn't mean that every seller takes their home off the market. Sellers with their homes on the market during the end-of-the-year months are typically serious sellers. There may be tax reasons motivating a seller to sell before the end of the year which could create greater opportunities for negotiation. There's likely a sense of urgency on the seller's side.

Often home prices are lower in December than in other months. If you wait until the spring, you're likely to wish you'd, at least, done some house-hunting. Industry reporting services often show home appreciation slows in the fourth quarter, making homes more affordable.

Since it is a busy time of year, you may find that there aren't many buyers shopping for homes, which is exactly why this may be a good time to house-hunt. Fewer buyers could mean a great opportunity for you to make an offer and negotiate a favorable price. However, fewer homes to choose from could mean you have more difficulty finding precisely what you're looking for. But too many homes can also create a no-win situation by confusing and overwhelming you.

Shop smart by making a list of the "must-have" and the "really-would-like" items. Carry the list with you or use a home-buyers' app to keep it on your smartphone. It's much like a holiday gift shopping list - better to know who you're buying for, how much you want to spend, and, at least, an idea of what you'd like to get that person. Same goes for a home.

Simplify the house-hunting process by having some written notes about what you intend to buy. Of course, things do change, so be open to discovering that dream home that has something on your list you never knew you needed or wanted. Your list will just help you evaluate and prioritize which things in a home are most important to you. Then instead of unwrapping this holiday season, you might be wrapping up and packing up your belongings!

Written by: Phoebe Chongchua /Realty Times
November 22, 2013

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Home buying in Fall | Keys to Negotiating the Autumn Housing Market

So, you’re finally off the fence and ready to buy a home before prices — and mortgage rates – rise any further. Here’s what you need to know about jumping into the market at this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

Know Your Market: The bottom line is that different markets behave differently during the fall. According to Zillow’s August Real Estate Market Reports, national home values rose 0.4 percent from July, marking the third consecutive month in which monthly home values rose more slowly than the month prior. However, markets in California, Las Vegas and Minneapolis are still seeing an extremely brisk pace of home value appreciation (2 percent or higher). As we exit 2013′s selling season, we will start to see a slowdown in home value appreciation.

Selection Is Limited: Many frustrated sellers who weren’t able to unload their properties during the busy peak spring/summer buying season may take their homes off the market, particularly as the holidays approach and the action comes to a screeching halt. This means you can expect the selection to be even more limited than it currently is in some markets.

There’s Room to Negotiate: Was there a home you saw and loved a few months ago? Is it still on the market? If it hasn’t sold after one of the hottest real estate summers since the economic downturn, you likely have room to negotiate. While some buyers will pull their homes off the market, others who have been holding out for the best possible price may now be ready to come down. While some homeowners are determined to get a set price, others may simply want out at this juncture.

Check Maintenance Areas: Fall is the ideal time to check things such as gutter drainage and the general upkeep of the yard. How does everything look? Does anything need repair? Visit the home on a rainy day and see for yourself. Then go inside and check out the furnace, looking for drafts, leakage issues and other possible structural/maintenance problems. If they’re apparent, determine how much money it’s going to take to get everything up to snuff and factor that into your offer, adjusting your price accordingly.
 

Written by Select Group Real Estate

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Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

 

Market Conditions for Incline Village, Nevada

Market Conditions for Incline Village, Nevada Reported by Alvin Steinberg, CRS, Broker/salesman As of November 13, 2013. Current Market Rating: 4 1 2 3 4 5 Buyer's Seller's Current Price Trend: 4 1 2 3 4 5 Falling Rising

WELCOME TO INCLINE VILLAGE!
As of late, Incline Village is now experiencing a strong Seller's market with prices going up 2% per month so far...
The median sold price for a single family home has risen to $928,000. We now have a 7 month supply of inventory.
The median price for condominiums is $407,000.

January 1, 2013 as become a Sellers market. Homes are now selling at asking price and sometimes maybe 3% off asking price.So, don't hesitate, please come to Lake Tahoe and make your investment before prices even go higher. Now November and sales are continuing on a steady basis.With interest rates still very low, now is a fantastic time to buy. Don't miss out !

We expect even a better year for 2014.

Please feel free to call me anytime at 1-800-666-4718.

Thanks!

ALVIN

P.S. We embrace and live the Values and High standards of honesty, integrity and always doing the right thing.


Location Characteristics: The most exciting place to live is Lake Tahoe NV. Lake Tahoe offers practically every sport you can think of from Golf, Tennis, Snow Skiing, Sailing, Water Skiing, Hiking and many other sports. We are the only planned community around the Lake. We also have a recreation center with an indoor pool and a workout area. Movie theater with first run movies.We have only approximately 9000 full time residence. Very low crime, only 40 minutes to Reno International Airport.

A Certified Residential Specialist, Top 4% of all real estate agent earned this designation in the nation's REALTORS®, Alvin has the necessary experience, in-depth knowledge, and negotiating skills to carry out smooth transactions that are mutually beneficial for both the buyer and seller.


Please go to my web site for more details or call me for a complete package. www.LivingLakeTahoe.com


About Alvin Steinberg, CRS:
Alvin Steinberg has been in Real Estate since 1972 and carries a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) in both California and Nevada. Alvin and his team are dedicated in providing you professional service whether you are buying or selling property in beautiful Lake Tahoe. One call does it all Call Alvin’s Team.

Buying or Selling: Now May Be the Time

As we enter the winter months, many expect the real estate market to begin to slow down. However, this winter there are many reasons that both buyers and sellers should consider moving forward with their real estate goals instead of waiting until the spring.

BUYERS
Waiting until the spring will probably mean increases in the two elements that determine the cost of purchasing a home: home prices and mortgage rates.

SELLERS
A seller will get the best price when demand is high and inventory is low. Demand will remain strong throughout this winter (see above) while inventory historically shrinks this time of year.

Ask Your Real Estate Agent for your Valuation

Real estate agents are experts at estimating the value of homes. Some of that expertise comes from being educated about the market, and some of it is instinct. Agents often view or show hundreds of homes in your area every month, so they have a good idea of the going rate for a home like yours. A qualified real estate agent can prepare a valuation report to give you a rough estimate of the value of your home.























Written by The KCM Crew

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Home Buyers Guide in Beautiful Lake Tahoe!

Our website is your Buyer's Guides and is here to help you find the best property you can in today's Lake Tahoe real estate market. There are many ins and outs to completing a real estate transaction, so it's important to stay patient, have an open mind and ultimately, be satisfied.

Buying should be an exciting experience, particularly on the lake! With the proven success of the Alvin's Team and Coldwell Banker on your side, you can be sure to find just the kind of property you seek.

Click Below:
 http://livinglaketahoe.com/featured_properties1

Investing

Buying property in Lake Tahoe is a proven wise investment. It's a world-reknowned, high-elevation mountain community that provides year-round recreation against breathtaking nature and scenery. Its limited real estate and environmental growth makes the market incredibly strong, as most property consistently holds its value.

Tahoe offers an impressive stock of valuable land and real estate from affordable existing and new-construction homes to the staggeringly luxurious. And with the neighboring Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay Area and Reno economies, Tahoe offers a quick getaway for those seeking a paradise escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.

Upon close consideration, it's inherently clear that Lake Tahoe real estate brings an abundance of prosperity and enjoyment for those looking to invest.

Vacation Homes

Buying a vacation home is a sound investment, especially in Lake Tahoe. With one of the world's greatest natural lakes, Tahoe is a hotspot for winter sports and summer activities alike.

Alvin Steinberg and his Team have the network, experience, and knowledge it takes to help you get the most from your purchase.
There are many factors to weigh when buying. It's important to find a property with the most return and working with the right agent definitely makes or breaks the purchase.

We are here to help you purchase your home, rather it’s your dream vacation home, full time residents, or you’re a first time buyer.

Please contact Alvin's Team today!!!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Tahoe seeing strong home price improvement

Even a slight spike in interest rates toward the end of summer hasn't slowed down the market around Lake Tahoe, according to real estate industry members in the area.
The volume of home sales rose 60 percent, and by 293 percent for homes selling for less than $1 million in the third quarter.

Passage of higher taxes on the wealthy in California last year has definitely spurred some buying in Nevada, but both sides of lake are seeing improved sales.

The other issue is the record low interest rates, even though they went up a bit, We are sensing an overall uptick in positivity about the economy. Especially in the first eight or nine months of the year, though it’s come down a bit lately.

Comparing the first three quarters of 2013 to the same period a year earlier, the percentage of homes selling for more than a million rose by 78 percent in Tahoe. Overall median home values have risen by a third so far this year, to $444,000.

Though most of the activity was in Incline Village, where the volume of home sales rose by 139 percent this year, all areas saw gains, including Truckee, where volume was up 41 percent, and Tahoe City, where the median price rose 18 percent, to $100 short of half a million.

There’s no reason to think Tahoe-area prices won’t continue to appreciate.
It all gets back to supply and demand. There’s some stabilization happening with prices.


Written by Staff Writer- Sacramento Business Journal

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Why Location Matters in Real Estate

Ask just about any real estate agent to list the three most important things a property should have, and you’ll likely hear: “location, location, location.” That phrase has been in use at least since 1926, according to The New York Times, and is just as relevant now as it was then.
But why does location matter so much? For starters, you can’t move a home — at least not easily or inexpensively. When you buy a home in a good location, it’s usually a solid long-term investment.
Real estate agents often advise their clients to buy the worst house — a property that could use some TLC — on the best block. Why? Because fixing up a home in a great neighborhood will give you the best return on your investment. Quite simply, it will be easier to sell later on. Conversely, you can buy a beautiful home that doesn’t need any work. But if the block is sketchy or just plain bad, you could have a hard time selling the property at a decent price.
So if “location, location, location” is so important, what makes a location good? Here are five characteristics to look for when buying a home. If you can get all five, chances are the home’s a great investment.

1. A safe neighborhood

People want to live where there’s little or no crime. Naturally, they want to feel safe in their homes and will pay extra for it. A safe neighborhood means people will feel free to walk around, be outdoors and interact with their neighbors. Communities still exist today where people don’t lock their doors, and they know their neighbors are there for them in a pinch.

2. Good schools

Being in a good school district is important, even if you don’t have school-age kids and never plan to have any. Fact is, young families always will be buying their first or second homes. They will do their home search based on location in general and good school districts in particular. The better the school district, the higher the values of the surrounding homes can be.
Found a home you love but the school district is subpar? Be aware of that issue for resale down the road. Bottom line: When you buy a home, you should always think like a future seller.

3. Convenient access to popular places, shops and restaurants

Everyone wants to be near the best commercial districts. The closer to the hubbub of a particular town or the best parts of a city, the better the location — and the more someone is willing to pay for a home. In beach communities, the closer to the beach, the more valuable the property.

4. Water access and views

No matter which town or city, someone will always pay for a great view or to be on or near the water. Put a home right on a waterway or on a hill with panoramic views and you’ve got a great location.

5. Access to public transit and/or freeways

In major cities, the farther you live from the bus, subway or other types of mass transit, the less valuable the home. A good location means being very close, and having easy access, to public transportation. Being near a train or bus can get you anywhere in a short amount of time. In some towns, where a commute by car is inevitable, easy access to the freeway makes for a good location. Adding 20 minutes to a commute just to get to the freeway never helps a location.

What makes a bad location?

There are some common characteristics that make a location “bad,” no matter where you are.
Ever see a home with a backyard that faces the freeway? Whether the home is in Denver, Dallas or Dubuque, such a location is likely always going to be considered undesirable. Is the home on a busy intersection or a four-lane road? Again, it’s probably considered a bad location, no matter which town it’s in or what the nearby neighborhood is like.
Other factors that can make for a “bad” location: very close proximity to a fire station (good if your house is on fire, not so good if you’re trying to sleep); a hospital (frequent ambulance sirens); an airport (sounds of jet engines 18 hours per day) or a school (traffic from buses or parents dropping off children or kids yelling and playing).
Some “good” and “bad” qualities simply vary by community. If you know your local community, you know which parts of town are less or more desirable. It’s always smart to rent in a new community before committing to a home purchase. Renting allows you time to become familiar with the location.
All these things matter when you’re considering the location of a home for sale. But never lose sight of what matters most to you about the location. If you’re crazy about baseball, for instance, you might love owning a condo near your city’s professional baseball team ballpark. Someone who doesn’t like baseball, on the other hand, would probably not want to live near all the commotion.
Location, location, location really does matter — a lot. But as always, the most important thing is to buy the right home for you, at the right time


Written by Brendon DeSimone

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com