Buying a Home in La Jolla: How Much Space Do You Need?

By Dan Johnson | December 20, 2011

Whether you’re buying your first CA home or moving to a new home due to size or neighborhood constraints, there are a number of things you’ll want to think about before you even start your search. Location, age, style…these are all important considerations that will impact your home purchase.

However, no matter if you’re searching for condos in La Jolla, luxury homes for sale in Del Mar, or more family-oriented real estate in Rancho Santa Fe, one of the biggest selling points will be size. How much home you buy will impact your ability to accommodate your family, your belongings, and your life, and square footage is often one of the best ways to maintain resale value. Many homebuyers in the California region adhere to the adage that “bigger is better,” and the homes for sale in the market today reflect that.

How Much is Too Much?

Before you rush out and buy the biggest house you can afford, it’s a good idea to evaluate your housing situation and what your needs really are. By being creative with space and changing the way you look at value vs. square footage, you may discover that it is much more convenient – and cost-effective – to consider a smaller living space.

Square footage costs money. Not only are you going to pay more in your initial purchase price for a home that’s twice the size, but a bigger home tends to equal bigger money all around. From utilities, electricity, and regular maintenance to buying enough furniture to fill the space, there is a lot about a big house that requires your time and money. Also, many of these factors increase pretty rapidly the older your home gets (especially upkeep and heating), so that large historic La Jolla house for sale might require your attention for decades to come.

You don’t want the biggest house on the block. If you have the biggest house in your neighborhood, chances are your home value will be affected – and not in a good way. People almost always prefer to live in the nicer La Jolla real estate areas, and are willing to sacrifice things like square footage and luxury amenities to get there. A big or nice house in a less desirable area might not lend itself to better resale later.

You’d be surprised what a little organization can do. One of the best things about buying a new CA home is that you get a fresh start in the place you call home. You are handed a blank slate in which to fit your life, your furnishings, and all the items you’ve accumulated throughout the years. If you buy a smaller house with a better layout, you might be able to fit all your things with room to spare. If your new home doesn’t have that extra bedroom you’d been hoping to convert into a study, you might find that some built-in shelving and a cleverly placed room screen more than makes up for it. Homes in Europe tend to be half the size of their American counterparts, but clever organization and setup makes them seem much, much bigger.

Your new home in La Jolla doesn’t have to be the biggest house in the neighborhood, and it doesn’t have to come with an impressive square footage tag in order to be a good investment. Many individuals have found that a cozy townhouse right in the middle of downtown brings a lot more opportunity than a four-story suburban home could never do, and many families are brought together by a big, open kitchen instead of a kitchen and formal dining area. Talk with Dan & Brenda Wyatt to learn more about finding a space that can be transformed into a home – no matter how big or small it is.

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La Jolla Real Estate during the Holidays

By Dan Johnson | December 19, 2011

Now is still a really good time for Real Estate in La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California areas. Buyers can, and do, get serious during this busy time of year. Lots of sellers take their homes off the market during the holidays, assuming no one will be buying at this time. But with serious buyers still out there and a lower inventory of homes, your home has a good chance of standing out. With fewer homes for sale, competition is decreased. There are good reasons to sell your home during the holidays.

Buyers are more serious during the holidays. Anyone shopping for a home during the holidays probably has to buy before a certain deadline. Therefore some buyers may be looking to relocate before the new year. Investors may also want to close before the end of the year for tax reasons. If you live near a university, students and staff may be looking for homes between academic sessions, and if you live near a military base, servicemen and women may be moving to the area. Work with us, Dan & Brenda Wyatt, your agents to target these motivated buyers. Buyers have more time to house-hunt. Buyers who are looking at this time during the holidays are serious about making a purchase. Some buyers purposely wait until their families are together for holiday vacations to start looking for a home. Homes show better in the winter. Decked out in lights and garland, homes often look their best during the holiday months. Take advantage of the Holidays and spruce up your homes to make them more festive. Deck the halls, but don’t go overboard, just enough to make your prospects feel at home and your home still looking spacious.

Home sellers can’t always take a holiday from keeping their house on the market. Instead, they should consider ways to turn the holidays to their advantage. By holding a holiday-themed open house – maybe instead of the traditional Sunday afternoon open house; your home could be open in the evening to take advantage of a festive holiday light display. Keep in mind to not block or cover up important selling features such as fireplace mantels, stairs, stained-glass windows. Tone down the size of tree. In place of a 10-foot tree, try decorating a table-top, four-foot version. Set a plate of cookies on the counter, next to festive paper napkins for guests. Giving house hunters a place to escape from the cold is another excellent way to get them inside your home.

The holidays are stressful enough without having to think about staging and open houses, so if you’re not truly motivated to sell, it’s probably best to wait a few months. But if you absolutely have to sell, don’t be discouraged. Good agents like ourselves can take the burden off of your shoulders, giving you more time to enjoy the season.

With these tips in mind, it is possible to enjoy the holidays and still successfully feature a home for sale on the real estate market. Now is still a good time as ever in the La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California areas.

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Benefits of a La Jolla Home Inspection

By Dan Johnson | December 9, 2011

Although new tax breaks and great housing prices in La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe make buying a home easier and more cost-effective than ever before, it can still be a daunting task to undertake the path to home ownership. In addition to the stress of moving, you’re probably worrying about things like loan processing fees, down payments, mortgage options, and closing costs. Even with a financial advisor and a realtor at your side, these can add up to quite a bit of hard work!

 

However, almost every homeowner will tell you that these costs are definitely worth buying a CA house. Not only are you purchasing a place to call home, but you’re making a financial investment with potentially huge returns. That’s why you should always consider a home inspection before signing on that dotted line, even if the added expense isn’t one you’re looking forward to.

 

What is a Home Inspection?

 

Many people equate a home inspection with a home appraisal, and with good reason. At their core, the two processes are very similar: in both, a trained professional goes through the home and inspects it with the intent of informing all parties involved on making the smartest buying and selling decisions.

 

However, the similarities stop there. Home appraisals are done to give buyers, sellers, real estate agents, and financers a better idea of what the home is worth (based on “surface” things like square footage, number of rooms, and amenities like a fireplace or granite countertops). A home inspection, on the other hand, is all about informing buyers about the potential problems that lie underneath the surface.

 

For example, a home inspector will be able to answer the following questions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a Home Inspection Does for You

 

Although most home inspections cost the potential homebuyer hundreds of dollars up front, they typically end up saving homebuyers thousands of dollars in the end. When you get a home inspection, you can not only step away from a purchase that might not be right for you, but you can also require sellers to either “fix” the problems before you buy the home, or adjust the price in order to allow you to make the repairs.

 

Of course, there’s also the benefit of knowing that the home for sale in La Jolla that you purchased is safe and comfortable. It can be difficult to know just what a house has in store for you until you’ve lived in it for a few months. A home inspection is the best way to take the house for a “test drive” before you make the investment. And with so many choices currently on the California real estate market, you’re in a perfect position to make a smart, financially-sound choice for your entire family.

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Unclutter Your La Jolla Home and Get It Ready to Sell

By Dan Johnson | November 23, 2011

It is very important to make a great first impression to the potential buyers of your home. Every seller wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it’s not luck that makes that happen. It’s careful planning and knowing how to efficiently unclutter your home that will excite buyers. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an appealing and marketable home.

Get rid of those items that have been sitting around for years without being used or even handled. This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Buyers and real estate agents should see your house in its best condition from the very first day it’s on the market.

Here are a few approaches to take to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room’s purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don’t want buyers scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”

Another way to unclutter your home and get it ready to sell is to make those minor repairs and best of all, make the house sparkle! Only do one room, or even one small area, at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Your best friend is the trash bag; when in doubt, throw it out. Many find it easier to use boxes to sort items, so you don’t have to find a home for everything as you unclutter. Most important, be quick and decisive when sorting. Tell yourself:

If you are getting your house ready to sell in the La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California areas, then take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas where you can unclutter your home and let us, Dan & Brenda Wyatt, your agents help you to get your house ready to sell.

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Buying a Historic Home in La Jolla California

By Dan Johnson | November 23, 2011

For many people living in or moving to CA, the best real estate purchase is one that combines the comfort of home with a piece of history. Buying a historic home in La Jolla, Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe is fairly common in today’s market, thanks to an incredible real estate climate and one of the most dynamic historic districts in the state.

 

However, if you’re simply looking at the intricate architecture and are thinking how great it would be to own a piece of the city’s history, you might want to take a step back and consider all the work involved in becoming a historic home owner.

 

Home Quality

 

The most important consideration for purchasing a historic home in La Jolla is the quality of the house. Whether you’re looking at a bungalow or a mansion, you have to remember that time is rarely kind to real estate.

 

In addition to outdated materials (like plaster instead of drywall or lead pipes) and difficult-to-work-with architectural styles, you have to consider the costs of restoring the house with authenticity in mind. Many materials are no longer available or can be costly if you want to maintain the historic integrity of your home. The same is true of the availability and cost of craftsman qualified to work with your particular home.

 

California Housing Regulations

 

Many historic homes are overseen by governing bodies that regulate what you can and can’t do to your own home. If you’re in the market to purchase a historic home, make sure you know who you will have to go through to get the right permits for renovation, or if you’ll need to register and pay a fee to get your home listed as an authentic historic site. You might also want to note what kind of tourist interest you will get from having a historically-listed site.

 

Financial Investments

 

Fortunately, not everything about owning a La Jolla historic home is hard work! Historic homes, when restored with authenticity, safety, and modern comfort in mind, are an incredible financial investment. Many people are willing to pay top dollar for homes that are in perfect shape or that have a keen attention to detail.

 

Many local governments also offer tax credits and tax freezes for those who maintain a certain level of quality in their registered historic homes. This means that a historic home can be a great investment, as well as a beautiful piece of architecture.

 

Finding and Buying Your Historic Home

 

When refurbished to contain all the modern amenities today’s families need and enjoy, a historic home can become a showpiece – both for your own visitors as well as those interested in the history of La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar. As with all real estate purchases, however, this one should be made after much consideration and under the guidance of your trusted agent.

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The Pitfalls of For Sale by Owner in La Jolla

By Dan Johnson | November 5, 2011

If you’re planning on selling a house in La Jolla, there are several ways to go about it. The most traditional, of course, is to work with a real estate agent like Dan & Brenda Wyatt to prepare, list, and sell your home. Another option that many people consider is for sale by owner, or FSBO, which bypasses the agent and puts you in charge of all the details.

At first glance, selling a house on your own might seem like a good idea. After all, in this tough California real estate market, sidestepping an agent can help you save money or even allow you to reduce the selling price of your home for a faster offer. At the same time, you are in control of the process, and you don’t have to work your schedule around someone else’s.

However, as most professionals in the real estate business will tell you, for sale by owner homes come with some pretty substantial legwork. In fact, you may even find yourself turning to contract lawyers and home inspectors anyway, since few people have a working knowledge of home sales without a real estate background. To sell your own La Jolla, Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe home, you have to be prepared to:

Sort through potential buyers. Just because someone is looking at your house doesn’t mean they might buy it. Many people “window shop” when it comes to houses on the market, and may not have any intention of buying a house at all. Others might not have been pre-approved or pre-qualified for a home loan, and although they may sincerely want to make you an offer, it might not be something they will be able to get a bank to back them up on. And if they do make an offer, your home could be tied up for weeks while the financiers sort through the details only to fall through at the end.

Negotiate the real estate contract. In almost all cases, the sale of a house requires a contract that goes through the hands of the bank, an attorney, a title or escrow company, and a notary. Real estate agents have the right connections and knowledge to push all the paper through without losing sight of those little details that get you the best deal. Unless you’re familiar with contract law and the process of buying or selling a home, this could be both costly and time-consuming to do on your own.

Showcase your home properly. One area in which Dan & Brenda Wyatt has an advantage is in staging, preparing, and listing your house for sale. Few homeowners have the emotional detachment necessary to make the right changes or to list the home at a price that is reasonable for the market according to home valuation estimates.

Work with other real estate agents. Over 90 percent of people work with a La Jolla real estate agent when buying or selling a home. This means that the people coming to look at your house might be working with an agent of their own. However, both brokers and agents are less likely to show their clients homes that are FSBO. This can drastically reduce your pool of applicants.

Any chance to save money during the home selling process might seem like a good idea, but as is the case with most things, taking a shortcut isn’t likely to yield the best results over the long-term. Selling a La Jolla, Del Mar, or Rancho Santa Fe house isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always fun, but when you choose to put your trust in Dan & Brenda Wyatt, you can see for yourself just how much better the entire process can be.

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The Value of Homeownership in La Jolla

By Dan Johnson | October 28, 2011

Homeownership may be the most important asset-building strategy for individuals. The value of homeownership gives homeowners a feeling of control, a greater sense of security and stability.

Homeownership is typically given a lot of importance and homeowners are generally allowed to do whatever they wish in their homes. Homeowners have the right to make choices and decisions regarding changes to their homes that renters may not be able to make.

Homeownership is a financial goal most families share. There are significant community benefits to homeownership as well. Owning a home gives residents a stake in the community and a sense of “rootedness” in their neighborhoods. Enjoying the privacy that a home brings, making long lasting friendships with neighbors and best of all taking pride in your home. The pride you’ll feel in owning and improving your home is an emotional value that cannot be expressed in dollars and cents. The value of homeownership has been thought to pro-mote thrift, stability, and neighborliness.

Homeownership is thought to be an important element in achieving personal fulfillment. When asked to define the good life, polls have shown that many Americans value owning a home over such factors as an automobile, a happy marriage, an interesting or high-paying job, and good health. The value of homeownership is credited with increasing self-esteem, life satisfaction, and an overall feeling of worth. Owning a home embodies the promise of individual independence but there are also many responsibilities that come with owning a home. The value of homeownership has been thought to pro-mote thrift, stability, and neighborliness.

If you are looking to buy your own home in La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California areas, these are some points to consider when seeing the value of homeownership. Allow me, your Real Estate agent, Dan & Brenda Wyatt to help you see the value of homeownership.

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Marketing Your La Jolla Home: What to Expect during Your Open House

By Dan Johnson | October 22, 2011

If your CA home is for sale – whether in La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe or surrounding areas – there’s a good chance your real estate agent will discuss the benefits of an open house with you. Open houses have long been a part of the home sale experience, since it allows prospective buyers to take a “low-key” approach while they browse the merchandise. It also gives your real estate agent the chance to network with a large number of potential buyers all at one time. In some cases, it also means you’ll finally sell that home!

However, an open house can be an unnerving event; after all, you’re opening your home up to complete strangers, and in most cases, you won’t be there to witness the event. By knowing what to expect, you have a better chance of selling your CA home – all while keeping a handle on your peace of mind.

• Remember that an open house is just one part of a larger marketing process. No one wants to sell your home more than your La Jolla real estate agent, and the best approach in any sales climate is to reach as many potential homebuyers as possible. That means diversifying the way you market to include those who prefer the low-key atmosphere of an open house.

• Don’t expect immediate results. Few people enter an open house and make a purchase right then and there. The real outcome is most likely going to be a few appointments for a private viewing or future appointment.

• Remove your valuables, money, keys, pets, medications, and any paperwork that has personal information on it (such as bills). Although a good real estate agent will keep an eye on your property to avoid damages, anything that is of value (for either monetary or personal reasons) should be safely tucked away. This can actually help sell the house in the long run, since personal effects tend to turn buyers off.

• Do a walk-through with your real estate agent immediately before and after the open house. This will allow you both to determine damages or thefts with an objective eye.

• Remember that an open house can tell you a lot about your property. Your real estate agent will be able to draw conclusions based on the turnout and the overheard comments. If few people show up, it could indicate that your asking price is too high, or that your curb appeal simply isn’t up to snuff. A large turnout with few leads could mean that the problem lies with the layout or “dressing” of your home.

Selling a home in CA can be difficult in today’s market – but it isn’t impossible. By approaching your marketing strategies with an open mind – and an open house – you can get your home effectively promoted throughout the La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe housing market with better results than ever before.

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Going Green in La Jolla California

By Dan Johnson | September 30, 2011

Have you heard the news! Green real estate is getting lots of buzz. More and more homebuyers are looking for ways to increase their green footprint. They are looking for that perfect home and yard that will give them eco-luxury. Going Green in La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California is happening as we know it.

Not only are we worried about our cleaning supplies being green, but now we want our homes to be green also. Homes with amenities like Gammpar floors, LEED-certified building materials, double-paned windows and even docking stations for electric cars! Also, homes that boast features like rainwater harvesting, passive air ventilation, reclaimed fixtures and recycled content tile and flooring.

This may all seem very over-whelming, but there are a lot of sites on the web that will help you fully understand just what finding a “green” home entails. It will be worth the research and will make your life more comfortable in the long run. Just “Google” the words “green real estate”, for starters. Enjoy the search and learn what makes a “green” home; a home that you want to be a part of. We all want to do our part and so let’s enjoy all of the eco-luxury that we can.

Just a side note – there’s no denying that the mortgage meltdown has meant tragedy for many home owners. But take a look around. You’ll see there’s very positive activity in many vibrant markets throughout the US especially in La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe California areas. By focusing on the good news and passing the message around, we can help speed up the market recovery. Don’t panic, let’s all do our part!

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What to Look for in a La Jolla Real Estate Agent

By Dan Johnson | September 10, 2011

Choosing a real estate agent in La Jolla is a lot like shopping for the new home of your dreams – you have to find that right blend of personality and professional experience to get the fit that’s right for you. And just like shopping for a new house, finding this perfect fit isn’t as easy as flipping open the phone book and choosing the agent with the biggest ad or best picture.

Most people in the CA real estate market rely on referrals to find La Jolla or Del Mar real estate agents they can rely on. And while this is a great place to start, you should be prepared to sit down and ask your potential new real estate agent a few questions before you rely solely on the recommendation of a friend or co-worker.

How much experience does the agent have with the La Jolla real estate market? An intricate knowledge of the local cities and their neighborhoods is important in a CA real estate agent. After all, knowing what to expect from housing prices, local schools, crime rates, and other features (such as where a new high-rise commercial district or freeway is going to be built) is key in making a smart home purchase. Look for both longevity and a great track record in terms of sales made and placed.

What kind of skills make up the agent’s resume? Buying or selling a La Jolla home isn’t just about matching your vision with an appropriately-priced home. In fact, being a real estate agent has a lot more to do with paperwork and legal/financial steps than anything else. Make sure your agent is experienced in everything from negotiation to the latest home technology, and ensure that he or she has great contacts for home inspections, appraisals, and other contractual issues.

How does the agent communicate? Real estate agents in Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding areas tend to be great at offering flexible business hours and working around your schedule to find the right home, but you’ll also want to consider how approachable the agent is – both in person and online. A real estate agent who has a strong online platform, including things like home search options and housing cost estimates, is often more valuable than one who requires all questions and house options to go directly through him or her.

What other considerations are important to you? Because buying a home is such a personal experience, it’s vital that you have real estate agent you trust to help you make the important decisions. Issues like honesty and personality, the ability to network with bankers and other professionals, and attention to detail might crop up and play a role in your CA home buying experience.

No matter who you choose to help you find a new home, remember that you aren’t required to stay with an agent if you’re not comfortable with the relationship. While professional courtesy is always appreciated, you can always switch to a new La Jolla real estate agent if you feel that you aren’t getting as much out of the experience as you want.

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