Ready to Sell? March 22, 2023

How to Deal With a Low Ball Offer on Your House

A home made of money

To lowball means to propose an unjustly low price to fool the other party into accepting the offer. Dealing with a lowballoffer on your house may be difficult when selling a property.

When selling a property, how do you respond to a lowball offer? To obtain a reasonable offer, you can learn much by looking at the real estate market’s health. Lowball offers are expected when the real estate market is favorable to purchasers. Many would-be purchasers assume they are not required to submit a better offer.

Often, agents and homeowners aim for the middle ground when setting the selling price of a house.

The lowball offer might be unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to be accepted. Generally, it’s a positive sign when someone expresses interest in purchasing your house; therefore, you should entertain all offers except those absurd.

Don’t just say no

The best course of action is to counter a low offer instead of just rejecting it, as this demonstrates your readiness to negotiate with the buyer.

An offer’s final price is more important than its starting price. Most sellers are insulted by a poor offer, and their initial instinct is generally to reject it. Yet, you should wait and consider the situation rationally rather than reacting emotionally. When that happens, you may take another look at the deal with your California real estate agent and figure out what to do next that makes sense.

Don’t think someone is trying to offend you just because they made an offer. They may have been advised to offer a low price to provide the opportunity for bargaining by a friend or family member, or they may be hesitant to offer a higher price out of fear of being taken advantage of. Intentions aren’t always malicious.

The word “nope” is written out on some planks.

Just saying no isn’t a great way to deal with a lowball offer on your house.

Control your emotions

Emotions run high when selling a house. You may have spent many happy years in your home, where you’ve also raised a family and made several improvements. Maybe you’ve staged the home perfectly, but still no reasonable offers. Many factors might make the location feel more like a hidden gem than a simple property.

But, when selling anything, you must put aside your feelings. You’re in business, and business is all about making deals. Whoever loses their temper first usually gets the short end of the stick!

A woman stressing out because she can’t handle a lowball offer on your house

Try to keep it together during the selling process.

You’re the boss of the sale

The most typical pricing error sellers make setting an inflated asking price in the hopes of negotiating down to a lower price. It’s a terrible idea to price a property high to get a better deal during negotiations. If a seller lists their house at a specific price, they usually expect offers to be close to that number. While selling a home, always remember that you are in charge. It is ultimately up to you to decide whether or not to accept a buying offer, regardless of how high or cheap it may be.

Remember, the goal is to sell

When dealing with a lowball offer on your house, the most crucial thing to remember is that you still want to sell your home. You want to close the sale, pack up and ensure a smooth process for your move. So, the first of the tips for stress-free long-distance relocation – is don’t drag out the selling process too much!

Having many offers is one thing, but if 12 to 15 individuals have looked at your property and you’ve just received one poor offer, you should bargain. That bidder is interested in your home, and don’t forget that this offer is just the beginning of negotiations.

Make a counteroffer

Not responding to a low offer is one of the sellers’ worst blunders. You should always reply with a counteroffer when presented with a purchasing offer, no matter how cheap. You might have received a lowball offer on your house for various reasons.

If the buyer thinks your house is overvalued or thinks no offer should come near the asking price, they will make a counteroffer.

When responding to a lowball offer, you have a few distinct choices. When faced with a lowball offer, one of the most effective negotiating tactics is to react with the lowest price you’d be ready to accept. You and your potential customer won’t have to engage in as much back-and-forth using this method.

Countering a low offer with a higher one at a total price is another common tactic in negotiations between sellers and their agents. That can demonstrate to a potential buyer that you are not interested in engaging in games and instead in receiving accurate, well-considered bids rather than insultingly cheap ones. Yet, you should be aware that challenging a low offer with the total asking price may discourage the buyer from continuing the process.

A man negotiating at a café.

Remember that you have to negotiate.

Check the comps again

Is the offer you’ve received fair? Did your realtor recommend an alternative asking price, but you rejected it?

The similar listings’ prices may have shifted since you initially selected your price, depending on the stage of the selling process you’re now in. Your asking price may no longer be competitive as home prices constantly rise and fall.

The purchaser may also provide a list of comparables you should check out. Market values tend to fall rapidly in buyer’s markets.

There’s no use in stubbornly maintaining that your asking price is the sole fair offer for the home.

One of the essential factors in determining how much you may get when selling your property is the current market price of properties like yours. That is where a realtor can help and save you money. What if the buyer’s proposed price is reasonable? You might not always be able to negotiate a lower price. You might be staring right at the finest deal there is.

Final words

An experienced real estate salesperson knows not to get too worked up over a lowball offer. Your agent’s responsibility is maximizing your profit while minimizing your stress, which means bringing you to the closing table. It’s important to remember that every property deal is unique. As a homeowner, you should always be aware of the current state of the market so that you may make the most informed decision possible. Hopefully, you now know better how to deal with a lowball offer on your house. Maintaining emotional control will allow you to make more rational choices when faced with lowball offers. Good luck!

Moving February 3, 2023

Top 5 Up and Coming Cities in California

a suburban house in one of the up-and-coming cities in California

California is known for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and trendsetting cities. It’s also home to some of the best small cities in America that are ripe with opportunity. If you’re looking for a place to start your life as an adult, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are our top fivee up-and-coming cities in California.

Atascadero

Atascadero is an unincorporated town nestled in San Luis Obispo County and home to around 20,000 residents. The average home price is $692,800, while the average rent is $1,567.

The area has been recognized as one of the safest cities in California, with a low crime rate and excellent schools. It’s a great place to find a home, and it’s pretty affordable to live in. Atascadero is also known for its great weather, with sunny days all year round.

Pacifica

Pacifica is a city in San Mateo County, California, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. Though its population was 47,556 at the 2010 census, it is considered to be part of the San Francisco Bay Area and can be loosely characterized as being between Redwood City and Half Moon Bay. The US Census Bureau estimated its 2013 population at 50,439.

A seashore by a cliff

Pacifica is a great place for people with kids and seniors who want to retire.

Pacifica has been ranked among America’s most idyllic small towns (No. 4) and one of the best places to retire (No. 2). The city’s favorable location has earned it several nicknames such as “Crown Jewel of the Peninsula” and “Bay Area Riviera.” Experts from Family Affair Moving suggest that it’s an excellent place for people with kids, seniors who want to retire, and dog owners. In addition to being an affluent community with a high median income per household ($82,170), Pacifica also ranks among America’s highest-rated cities for quality of life.

San Clemente

San Clemente is a great place to live if you’re looking for a little bit of everything. The city population is around 70,000, and the average age of residents is just under 50. Most people in San Clemente are married and have children living with them in their homes. The average household size is 2.4 people, so it can be hard to find an apartment that comfortably fits everyone! However, if you’re willing to spend more money on rent or mortgage payments, this shouldn’t be much of a problem. The average cost of living here is quite high compared to other cities throughout California (but still lower than Los Angeles).

The average commute time from San Clemente takes about 30 minutes by car; however, if you own your own vehicle, this isn’t too bad! Drivers should expect rush hour traffic jams every weekday morning between 7 am and 9 am and during lunchtime hours (12 pm – 1 pm). If public transportation isn’t your thing, then perhaps biking wouldn’t be such a bad idea either. It’ll save both money and time since most drivers won’t feel like leaving work early due to traffic congestion issues.

beach in San Clemente

San Clemente has something to offer to everyone.

If you’re looking for an ideal town for raising a family, look no further than San Clemente! This is one of the best up and coming cities in California and can be a great place to live as a family. So, if you are considering a home relocation to this city, consider planning your move early on. Moving experts suggest looking for assistance as soon as you know your moving date. The sooner you start planning, the easier and more affordable your move will be.

Mill Valley

If you’re looking for a small-town feel, Mill Valley is the place to be. It’s only about 13 miles north of San Francisco and has a very low crime rate, making it one of the safest places in California. The school system is also excellent, so if you’re moving here with your family or have kids, this would be an ideal location.

Mill Valley has all of the amenities of big cities like San Francisco without all the noise and crowds: there are plenty of shops and restaurants as well as beautiful parks that make it perfect for relaxing on weekends or during your lunch break.

If you are looking for a city with a perfect climate and lots of family-friendly activities, Mill Valley is the right place for you! And, if you need assistance during your move, all you need to do is look for professional movers. While you’re handling your job and family life, your belongings will be safe during the entire moving process.

an aerial view of Mill Valley

If you’re looking for a small-town feel, Mill Valley is the place to be.

Dana Point

Dana Point is located in San Diego County and has a population of 33,000. This city is a popular tourist destination for many reasons. The beautiful weather, the beach views, and the lush greenery make this place a perfect spot for anyone looking to relax after work or on weekends. Because of its popularity, Dana Point is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops that you can visit while visiting this wonderful city.

These are the best up and coming cities in California

This is a great time to be living in California, and there are plenty of cities with promising futures. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis or a small town surrounded by nature, we have you covered! It has plenty of affordable cities and smaller towns that are worth checking out. If you’re looking for a place with a slower pace of life, these five cities are great options to explore.

Conclusion

It’s hard to think about California without thinking about its incredible cities. You can have a fantastic time exploring the state without ever leaving the city you live in, or you can travel from one place to another and experience different cultures and flavors. Whatever your preference is for exploring new places, there’s no doubt that these five up and coming cities in California will give you exactly what you need. Each one has its unique vibe, but they all have something in common: a lot of potential!

Real Estate Affordability January 4, 2023

Top 5 Most Affordable Places to Live in California

A woman happily carrying two cardboard boxes while moving somewhere new.

California is a great state to consider if you’re looking for a place to call home. With its impressive variety of landscapes, vibrant cities, and wealth of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to make this sunny state their home.  But for some, such as those with a family, affordability may be a key consideration. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasonably priced places to call home. Whether you’re looking for a bustling city or a laid-back small-town vibe, you can find an affordable option to fit your budget. To make the process easier, we’ve rounded up the top five most affordable places to live in California. We’ve considered median home prices, cost of living, and amenities available in each location. This way, you’ll be sure to know which of these you can call your home soon!

Bakersfield

At the heart of southern California, you’ll find Bakersfield—an affordable, fantastic city that you should consider moving into! It has a great mix of suburban neighborhoods and rural countryside, so you can find the perfect place to call home. Housing options in Bakersfield range from affordable single-family homes to luxurious apartments. Therefore, it is easy to find something to fit your budget. The cost of living is also lower than in other parts of the state. To be exact, it is 24% lower than the state average. So, you can enjoy all that Bakersfield has to offer without breaking the bank.

Bakersfield is also home to lots of amenities you’ll love. The city has many attractions, including the Kern County Museum, Fox Theater, and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. There are also many parks and recreation areas, such as Hart Park, Lake Ming, and Kern River Preserve. You can also find plenty of shopping, dining, entertainment options, andplentiful outdoor activities. Bakersfield is a great place to grow your career or get an education, with plenty of job opportunities and universities nearby.

A woman sitting on a rock near a body of water.

You’ll be able to see plenty of natural views while in Bakersfield.

Eureka

Eureka is a beautiful coastal city with plenty of benefits it can offer. Furthermore, it is one of the most affordable places to live in California (19% lower). Eureka also offers a variety of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes. Therefore, make your nationwide move more affordable, so you have a larger budget. To do that, check out many budget-friendly options when it comes to moving and all the available housing options. This way, you’ll ensure you acquire the perfect housing for your budget.

It is located in Humboldt County and is close to many outdoor activities, like Redwood National and State Parks, King Range National Conservation Area, and many more. There are also plenty of places to shop! When it comes to dining, you will find everything from fine-dining restaurants to small local cafes. And when you’re looking for something to do, you can go to a movie theater, go bowling, or take in the view of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, the City of Eureka has many job opportunities in various fields, including public safety, education, healthcare, and hospitality. The city is also home to Humboldt State University, the only four-year public university in the region. There are also several community colleges in the area, including the College of the Redwoods and the College of the Siskiyous.

A group of graduates throwing their caps into the air.

Although it may be one of the most affordable places to live in California, that doesn’t mean you’ll need to sacrifice your education.

Chico

You will find that Chico, CA is one of the most affordable places to live in California. Its convenient location near Sacramento and San Francisco offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the peacefulness and small-town charm of Chico and easily explore the city life that nearby cities offer. The cost of living in Chico is 16% below the national average, making it a great option for budget-minded individuals and families. Housing options range from single-family homes to apartments and condos, so whatever your needs are, you will find something to fit your budget.

Chico also has plenty of amenities and activities for locals to take advantage of. There are several parks and outdoor recreation areas, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a wide range of performing arts, cultural events, and festivals. From Bidwell Park and the Chico Creek Nature Center to the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and the Chico Mall, there is something for everyone. Chico is home to many universities and colleges, so it’s a great place to live if you’re a student. The city also has a wide range of job opportunities available in the area, including government positions, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Sacramento

Sacramento is full of culture and diversity, and you’ll find people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles in the area. Considering the location and amenities it offers, it may be shocking to hear the cost of living is 14% lower than the state average. As expected, housing options are vast. Particularly rental properties seem to thrive in the area.

When it comes to amenities, Sacramento has a lot to offer. From exploring the city’s many parks, restaurants, shopping centers, theaters, and museums to participating in outdoor activities, including biking, skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Therefore, you can rest assured that each family member will feel safe and fulfilled in Sacramento. Public transportation is also quite good in the city. Plus, if you’re looking to save money on gas, you can take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing program and bike lanes. Furthermore, the thriving economy and the local government’s focus on supporting small businesses make this city perfect for entrepreneurs.

Two women laughing while enjoying a beer on a wooden bench.

You’ll be able to have not only great entertainment but also great company while in Sacramento, California.

Fresno

Fresno, CA, is an incredible city to consider moving into if you’re looking for some of the most affordable places to live in California. After all, out of 75 cities in the United States, it was ranked 18th in terms of affordability! Not only that, but you might find that Fresno can offer the perfect balance of city and rural life. Whether you want to live in an apartment or acquire a family home, Fresno has covered you.

You’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues in town that offers something for everyone. On the other hand, because the city is close to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, it is an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a nature lover, a city dweller, someone looking for a good place to better their education or career, or someone wanting to raise a family, Fresno is a great choice.

PAUL BURROWES, REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT | DRE 01955563

831.295.5130 or 408.497.3989 Paul@Burrowes.com  www.Burrowes.com

5522 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066 CRS | CCEC | SFR

Moving September 2, 2022

7 Reasons to Move to California with Your Family

Three pairs of shoes on a doormat.

California – it’s one of the biggest and most populous states in the USA. Famous for its national parks, cultural diversity, and great life opportunities, California is also known as the Golden State. Over the years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for tourists and those looking for a place to settle down. There are so many things that make people love this amazing state and come there for good. Today, we will talk about the top reasons to move to California with your family.

1. Great living options

One of the biggest concerns every person has when moving to a new place is whether or not they will be able to find a perfect neighborhood for their family. And, if children are part of that family, then the responsibility is even bigger.

Well, when you come to live in California, you won’t have to worry about that. You will find so many great neighborhoods all over the state. With a good real estate agent, you will easily choose the one that suits best you and your budget. The cities are rather safe, and their residents tend to be warm and kind.

Great neighborhoods are one of the reasons to move to California with your family.

Find your new home in California.

California has a strong, active, and diverse community that creates a healthy atmosphere for raising your children. What’s more, this is a state where everyone feels welcome, no matter where they come from, what they believe in, or what ethnical or cultural group they belong to. California’s diversity is well known all around the world.

2. Healthy and relaxed lifestyle – one of the reasons to move to California with your family

When it comes to healthy living, California is among the top ten healthiest states in the whole USA. Everything in California reminds you how important it is to remain healthy and in good shape. From the various restaurants that promote organic and fresh food to the numerous outdoor activities encouraging for people of all ages. And then there is also California’s exciting lifestyle. It really seems relaxed and balanced. Sometimes it looks like people in California are rarely in a hurry.

This is more than a good reason to move your family home there. And if you haven’t found your movers yet, check out bestcrosscountrymovers.com and choose among the best.

3. High-quality education

After moving to a new state, one of the top priorities for every parent is finding a good school for their kids. Well, if you move to California, this will be easy. The educational system in this country is of really high quality. Starting from great primary and secondary schools to excellent opportunities at the well-known University of California. Both public and private colleges are reputable and offer a great number of different programs.

A teacher is speaking to the class.

Make sure your kids will have a bright future.

4. Job opportunities

If you realize your income cannot cover your expenses after calculating your home-buying budget, then maybe it’s time to find a new job. California is the place for you. Finally, it’s called the state of opportunities for a reason.

California is an economically strong state. In fact, it has the biggest economy in the nation. That opens a large number of job opportunities every year. The leading are film and technology industries, while healthcare, tourism, and agriculture are constantly growing. One thing is for sure, living in California opens doors to having a good job, a good life, and a promising future. And that is one of the top reasons to move to California with your family.

5. The weather

The best thing the new residents, especially those who have come from some colder states, love about California is its beautiful weather. In this state, it’s warm and sunny during most parts of the year. Precisely, for more than 260 days a year. Summers can be pretty hot, and winters are relatively mild, with snow only in some parts of the state. Those are great news for all the people who love spending time outside.

And, if you are among the interstate newcomers, don’t bother about moving to California by yourself. Look up the best interstate movers in California, and find the right team to assist you along the way.

6. Nature everywhere

California is a heaven for all nature lovers. Every part of this state is rich with beautiful natural landscapes. You’ll see mountains and forests, beaches and deserts. And, on top of everything else, nine national parks. All of that leaves great opportunities for exploration, family weekends in nature, and endless moments to relax and enjoy the beauty. A healthy atmosphere where the whole family will charge their batteries. Furthermore, if you manage to create your own little garden, your new Californian home will be your family’s realm.

7. Numerous funny activities

One thing is for sure. If you come to live in California, you will never feel bored. Throughout the state, there are several excellent everyday activities. Most of them are outdoor, and they are alluring for every generation.

  • First of all, there are great beaches, mountains, and valleys. No weekend can go without them, whether you’ll go swimming or just have a nice family picnic in nature.
  • California is a state with some of the best theme parks. Starting from Disneyland to Magic Mountain and Legoland, those would be places where your kids will create some of the best memories.
  • Great music festivals all over the year offer amusement for all family members.
  • Although there are only several parts of California where you can find snow in winter, they all have someexcellent ski resorts.
A family is having a picnic.

Spend some great family moments.

Family relocations are serious and responsible moves. Not to mention that it’s not easy to choose where to start over. However, it may be that these several reasons to move to California with your family helped you make up your mind. Make your first steps, and see why everyone is so much in love with this state.

Writers info:

My name is Tina Michael. I live in New York City, and I am an artist. I like long walks in nature because they inspire me to work. I also write short stories and blogs on various topics.

Ready to Sell? May 2, 2022

How to Stage Your Home for Sale While Living in it

A 'home' mat in front of the door.

Staging is a must when selling a home. It is a must because it helps us sell our homes faster and helps us sell them for the highest price possible. And the best part of staging is that it doesn’t take a lot of your time and money – all it takes is following real estate trends and a little bit of creativity. So, stage your home, move out, and let the real estate agent do the rest! However, we understand that it is not always possible to move out before selling your home, so that raises the question – can we live in a home during a sale? The answer is YES! You just have to know all the tips and tricks on how to stage your home for sale while living in it!

Declutter and Downsize Your Belongings 

Nobody likes decluttering. Nobody wants to get rid of things they have been collecting for decades. But have you used those things lately? Or are you planning on using them shortly? If the answer to both of these questions is negative, then you need to declutter and downsize. Get rid of all the things you are not using which are cluttering your space. You can give them to some of your relatives, donate them to a charity, sell them online, or (if completely useless) throw them away.

And, don’t make one of those common decluttering and downsizing mistakes and try to hold on to something – if you are not using it, say goodbye to it. Doing this will help you stage your home better, and it will help you pack your items with more ease later on. Just think about it – the fewer items you have, the less you will have to pack.

Pack Some Personal Things 

When decluttering and downsizing your home, you will keep all of your personal things. Those will be things such as family heirlooms and memorabilia, travel souvenirs, your family’s photos, etc. It would be best if you hid these! Having a lot of personal things inside the home you are trying to sell will make it hard for buyers to envision themselves living in your home. And in return, it will make it hard for you to sell your home. Thus, depersonalize your home as much as you can. Pack up all your personal items and place them in storage, for example. Or, place them in your neighbor’s garage or family member’s spare bedroom.

You can also hire professional movers to pack these things for you neatly and carefully. Having them pack your precious belongings will prevent damage to your home when moving, and it will protect your floors and walls in the process. It’s essential yet easy to prevent potential mishaps that might occur while packing and transporting – you just need professional assistance. Thus, hire them ahead of time and figure out all the details. You will need all the help you can get when trying to stage your home for sale while living in it.

Clean and Keep It Clean 

You can spend thousands of dollars on renovating and staging your home, but it will all go to waste if it is dirty and messy. Thus, to get your home ready to sell, you need to clean it deeply and thoroughly. Clean from top to bottom, and don’t leave any cabinet or corner behind. A clean home will show the buyers how well you take care of it and how much potential it has. So, make cleaning a top priority when selling your home.

However, it is hard to clean and stage your home for sale while living in it. Pets will bring the dirt inside, your children will mess up all the decorations, dishes and laundry will pile up, etc. All of this is bound to happen, so don’t worry. You have to make sure your home is deep cleaned (professionally) at least once before putting your home on the market. And, of course, you need to make sure everything is in its place right before the open-house event starts.

Keep Your Cabinets, Closets, and Drawers Organized 

You are wrong if you think that buyers will not peak into your cabinets, closets, and drawers. They are not doing this because they are nosy, no. They are doing it to see how much space you have in there. That is, they want to see whether their stuff can fit there. So, if you don’t want to shock them with your mess, organize these places. This is one of those things you can do when still living inside your home during the staging phase.

Moreover, if you have too many items inside cabinets, closets, and drawers, items that you plan on taking with you to your new home, consider packing some of them. That is, have those same professional movers pack them and store them. And, while they are packing the things that you don’t plan on using right now, use this time wisely to organize what is left inside those areas.

Fix the Little Things

If you want to stage your home for a successful sale, you should avoid big projects such as kitchen and bathroom renovation, replacing the roof, upgrading the floors, etc. It is almost impossible to live in a home undergoing such significant transformations. But, this doesn’t mean that you can’t make some of those home improvements that add a little value. For example, you can repaint room by room. Or, you can upgrade lighting fixtures, replace the hardware, landscape, fix what is broken, etc.

As you have seen, it is more than achievable to stage your home for sale while living in it. So, don’t exclude staging just because you still have to live in that home. Just think about how staging can increase the value of your home by up to 15%! And, if you don’t know how to start staging your home, consider asking professional stagers or real estate agents for some advice – nobody can advise you better than them.