What are the Must-Have Features in Homes Today?

It seems like only yesterday that whirlpool tubs, formal dining rooms and home theaters were considered de rigueur features in new homes. Today, however, buyers are more likely to look for small homes with energy-efficient appliances, a home office and a first-floor master suite, according to a new survey of homebuyer preferences.

“I think it’s economics driving the desire,” says Paul A. Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts the annual survey.

The economy and demographics are playing an increasingly larger role in buyers’ choices these days. According to AVID’s survey, some of the must-have features in homes today are:

• Energy-efficiency. Buyers of all types—first-time, empty-nester, move-up and vacation buyers—all want energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency.
• Large kitchens. Although home size is trending down, Cardis says that “the kitchen is still king.” A kitchen island is also a must-have.
• Granite countertops. This is a must feature for move-up, empty-nester, vacation and custom homebuyers. First time buyers are less interested in granite, probably due to the cost.
• Main-floor master suite. Cardis says this is due to the aging of the population. The demand for upstairs laundries is waning as a result.
• Home office/study. People would rather have a home office than other rooms such as a formal dining room, Cardis says.
• Two-car garages. All types of buyers consider these as must-haves, while move-up and custom home buyers prefer three-cars.
• Master suite soaker tubs. These are more popular than whirlpools among all categories of buyers. Oversized showers with seating are also growing in demand.

Interested in seeing the latest features in luxury homes in your target neighborhood? Contact our agents today at 626.358.1858, 626.963.7621 or visit us on-line at www.c21ab.net

9 Ways to Spruce Up Your Home In Time for the Spring Selling Season—Without Spending a Lot of Money

With all the news lately about snow, it’s easy to forget that spring is just around the corner. And with spring comes the spring selling season, when home sales typically perk up.

This year, there’s lots of good news for those selling their homes.

“This spring should be a breath of fresh air for beleaguered sellers,” says Mike Larson of Weiss Research. “The supply of homes for sale is falling. Affordability is rising thanks to declining home prices. And the extension of the homebuyer tax credit is putting a bit more wind in buyers’ sails.”

Still, there are things you can do as a seller to help pique buyer interest:

• Create a great first impression by improving curb appeal. Cut the grass, trim the hedges and plant flowers. Touch up the exterior paint.
• Repaint the interior. Again, this is an inexpensive way to give your home a fresh, clean appearance. Keep colors neutral.
• Refresh tired carpets by having them cleaned. Tile floors can look new again by cleaning the grout and sealing it.
• Remove clutter from the house. This improves the appearance and makes rooms seem larger.
• If you don’t want to hire a professional stager, then move furniture around to improve the flow of the home and make it seem more open. Put excess furniture in storage.
• Replace old cracked caulk in the kitchen and baths. This not only freshens up the rooms but also improves water resistance.
• Make your home seem lighter and brighter by replacing or adding light fixtures.
• Purchase an appliance warranty. For a few hundred dollars, you can give potential buyers peace of mind.

For other helpful tid-bits about preparing your home for sale, contact our team at 626.358.1858.

The Lifespan of Elements in Your Home

You have made an investment that will provide enduring value and years of enjoyment. Thanks to the National Association of Home Builders report "Housing Facts, Figures & Trends" we can share some of what you can expect to replace and repair to maintain your home in top conditions.

Most of home maintenance is common sense. If you have a plumbing leak, you will repair the fixture. Then look for water damage in the surrounding area. Replace all effected materials to avoid mold, wood rot, or weakened structure. The quick fix is not appropriate for one of your biggest and best investment.

Because there are so many elements in your home from the structure to the appliances, we are providing this quick reference guide.

It has been estimated that if a home is not properly cared for, the materials will only last one-third to one-half as long as manufactures suggest.

So use this guide to gauge and estimate when you may need to service or replace articles in your home. It is intended to be for information purposes only and we recommend that you consult licensed professionals for specific advice.

• Roof : Asphalt, wood shingles & shake last approx. 15 - 30 years. Tar & Gravel 10 - 20 years.
• Refrigerator: 6 -15 years - Do not place against the wall, leave ventilation space; clean behind the frig and replace ice-maker periodically.
• Microwave: 11 years - Avoid any metallic trim or foil in microwave. Do not leave unattended.
• Window Air Unit: 10 years - Remove or cover during winter; change filters each season.

To learn more about other around-the-home items to look out for, contact our team of REALTORS today at 626.358.1858 or 626.963.7621.

Rebates Help You Save Money When Upgrading Appliances

In the market for a new appliance? Then think Energy Star. Not only will you be helping the environment by purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, but you’ll be helping your budget as well, thanks to a $300 million “cash for appliances” program funded by the U.S. Government and being rolled out state by state.

The Energy Star program is a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. According to the Department of Energy, by using Energy Star, Americans saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars--and also saved $19 billion on their utility bills.

The appliance rebate program differs in each state, but the basics are this: Buy an Energy Star appliance and receive a rebate of between $50 and $250. You must be replacing an existing appliance to qualify. Depending by state, the program covers boilers, air conditioners, washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, heat pumps, refrigerators and water heaters.

Each state runs its own program with funding from the Department of Energy. Dates and program details vary by state. Check out www.EnergySavers.gov for details on your state’s program.

One piece of advice: Act quickly!

The rebate program will continue only as long as each state has the funds to support it. Once the funds are exhausted, so is the rebate program.

To learn more about such programs and other local initiatives that may affect home-owners in the San Gabriel Valley, contact our offices today at 626.358.1858 or 626.963.762.

Our team of REALTORS will be more than glad to help and answer your questions.

Want to Rent Your Vacant Properties? Try Renovating Them

Are you a small independent landlord trying to rent your properties? Consider renovating them. A recent survey indicates that over half of small, independent landlords are renovating vacant properties in an effort to differentiate themselves from the competition and attract tenants. Renovations don’t just help you attract new tenants; they help you retain current tenants as well.

“With so many homes and apartments sitting empty, landlords want their properties to stand out from the competition,” says Tracey Benson, president of The National Association of Independent Landlords. “Even if landlords have no rent coming in, they need to bite the bullet and make improvements to put their properties on renters’ short lists.”

The Association recently conducted a survey of landlords across the country and found that over half (52%) of smaller, independent landlords who expect the difficult rental market to continue are renovating their vacant properties. Over three-quarters of these landlords (76%) are doing so in an effort to attract tenants, while 42% of respondents said they are renovating to keep current tenants from moving.

But you don’t need to install high-end accoutrements like granite counters, stainless steel appliances or laminate floors to attract or retain tenants. Even low-budget investments like new carpeting or a fresh coat of paint can make a difference.“

Just about any improvement will make a property look better than one that hasn’t received much TLC,” Benson says.

For more information on how to attract or retain tenants in your apartment properties, or to learn about available properties, give our CENTURY 21 office a call today. We have Commercial and Property Management specialists available to help you with your rental needs.Our associates may be reached at 626.358.1858 or visit our Property Management page today.