Reasons for hiring a Real Estate agent.

Whether you are buying or selling a property, hiring a competent agent to assist you often makes the process smoother and less stressful. Here are

some great reasons to hire a sales professional.

• Paperwork. Agents complete the paperwork necessary to complete a real estate transaction. This saves you time, and their education and experience may help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Price. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, commercial or residential, a real estate agent can provide you with tools to guide you to a realistic price to buyer or sell a property.
• Advertising. Your agent has access to the local MLS and will upload pictures, video and information to advertise your property.
• Buffers. Agents act as your advocate or buffer, depending on the situation. Your agent filters calls and schedules showings.
• Negotiation. Unlike their clients, agents are not emotionally invested in the sale and can often navigate the transaction with skill. They are professionals who are trained to represent you and keep information confidential from competing interests.
• Closers. Qualified agents can assist in any questions that come up after the conclusion of the sale.

Our team of professionals is trained with these specific client needs in mind.  To speak with anyone from our team or for questions regarding the current San Gabriel Valley Real Estate market please contact our offices at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

Why your house may not be selling.

There may be several reasons your house isn't selling. Here are three common causes a property may be languishing on the market.

1. Price. Remember, your property is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. No one wants to lose money on a property, but keep in mind the economic climate and if you need to sell, be prepared to price your home competitively. Your listing agent should have provided you with a list of comparables in the area to equip you with the knowledge to price your home realistically.
2. Condition. Your home should be immaculate when potential buyers view it. The importance of a positive first impression cannot be stressed enough. Windows should be clean, floors polished or vacuumed and all clutter should be out of sight. A fresh coat of paint, minor repairs and well-lit entryways go a long way. Neutralize your space with soft color, so it appeals to the masses, instead of a small group. If necessary, consult a professional stager to get your house in shape.
3. Location. The one thing you can't change about your property is its location. This is another instance when your savvy real estate professional should discuss sales options with you. Stress the positives of the location, perhaps it is located near mass transit or the area is starting to turn around. Instead of selling your home in a neighborhood that is not ideal, consider renting it until the area improves.

Consult our Monrovia or Glendora offices today to connect with a professional to assist with your housing needs.

Keep your home safe while you're away on vacation.

Ways to protect your home and its contents while you're away range from simple to high tech. Here are some ideas to secure your home when you're on vacation.

• Consider a house sitter. It may be an added expense, but having a trusted person stay at your home is a great defense against burglars.
  
• Don't advertise you're away. Don't leave an outgoing voicemail stating you're out of town. Also, refrain from listing vacation dates on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook.
  
• Invest in an alarm system.
  
• Put all lights on timers, so it appears someone is home. A lighted home is a deterrent for break-ins.
  
• Have the post office hold your mail and put your newspaper delivery on hold. An overstuffed mailbox and unopened newspapers on the lawn are a signal you are not at home.
  
• Leave all doors and windows locked. When possible, utilize dead bolts and secure sliding glass doors by placing a rod in the door groove.
  
• Alert police and a trusted neighbor to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.
  
• Remove any spare keys that are hidden outside the house. Instead, give a key to a trusted neighbor or family member to regularly check the house.
  

Have a great time on your travels and come back to a safe home. Remember that our team is always here to help. For questions please contact our offices at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

View of Catalina Island

How to get the most return on your remodel investment. What upgrades are worth it.

Remodeling Magazine and the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) recently released their report comparing remodeling cost vs. value. The results vary depending on multiple factors including: region, quality of work, value of homes in your neighborhood, and when you plan to sell your home in relation to the completion of the project.

According to the overall findings, to boost the value of your home, start by upgrading the exterior. Replace your front door with a steel or fiberglass entry door to add curb appeal and value. Give your home a facelift and dramatically improve your facade by upgrading your existing siding. New garage doors will enhance your home aesthetically and functionally. The report also mentions that new windows save owners in energy costs and often add to resale value. When possible, the addition of a wood deck to outdoor living space is definitely a sought after amenity by potential buyers.

As for interior remodels, convert unused space into living areas. Finish the basement or convert the attic to a bedroom. Also, minor kitchen updates such as counter, cabinet, floor and sink upgrades are always big selling points.

To learn more from our trained team of professionals who could give you even more intelligent ideas on how to make the most of your remodeling budget.Give us a call today at 626-358-1858 or 626-962-7621.

Seven ways to build up your credit score to be eligible for the best interest rates.

Credit score requirements for loans are higher than they have been in the past, so a good credit score is more crucial than ever. In today's economy most lenders are looking for credit scores of 720 or higher to secure a low mortgage rate. Here are seven ways to build up your credit score so you can enjoy the best interest rates available. 

• Request your credit reports and assess the situation. Credit bureaus (www.experian.com, www.transusion.com, www.equifax.com) are required to provide you with a free credit report every year. Nationwide consumer reporting companies get their information from different sources, the data in your report from one company may not reflect the same data in your reports from the other two companies, so request all three. 
• Check to verify all of the information is correct. If there are any errors, contact the bureaus immediately. 
• Your payment history accounts for 35% of your score, so make sure payments are on time every month. 
• The amount owed is 30% of your score. A good rule is to use less than 10% of your credit available on each individual card. 
• The length of your credit history accounts for 15%, so maintain your accounts instead of closing them. You are not penalized for available credit. 
• New credit is 10% of your score and every time you apply for credit an inquiry is added to your report, which drops your score. 
• Types of credit used accounts for 10%. Installment loans like vehicle and personal loans demonstrate you can manage various long and short-term credits.

It is always advisable to speak with a knowledgeable lending representative. Let one of our agents refer you to someone who can best help guide you with your questions. Call us today.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Joann goes long! Did you catch the CENTURY 21 commercial at this year's Superbowl?