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Which Renovations Provide The Best ROI in San Francisco?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:27:51 GMT

As a homeowner, at some point, you may want to make changes to your home. This may range from minor updates to more major renovation projects, but some of these projects are costly and may not bring you a good return on investment (ROI).

According to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report , some remodeling projects have a greater ROI than others. The information in this report covers a wide variety of both interior and exterior projects and is specific to the San Francisco area.

While this report contains useful information, it does not include the cost of sweat equity. These cost estimates are based on using paid outside labor. It also does not include information on smaller projects that homeowners commonly do to upgrade their homes, such as cabinet refacing, laminate and vinyl floor installation, bathtub refinishing, and painting.

If you are preparing your home for sale, you can use the information in this report, along with current trends in renovation projects, to help you make the best decisions to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

100% ROI Is Rare

Remodeling projects depreciate in value, and very few have a 100% ROI. In most cases, the ROIs are far lower than the actual cost of the renovations. This happens because technology improves, items break or wear down, and trends change over time. Additions, such as bathrooms, master suites, and family rooms have the lowest percentage of the costs recouped.

The US’s Trade War With China Will Cost You

A tariff increase from 10% to 25% in 2019 due to the US’s trade war with China has added significantly to the price of construction materials, including many high-end finishes, such as tile, countertops, laminates, and lighting. Consumers are paying more for these materials, but they aren’t recouping these extra costs, so this increase has caused the return on investment for remodeling projects to be lower than it may have been otherwise.

Interior vs Exterior Renovations

Across the US as in San Francisco, the average ROIs for exterior renovations were higher than those of larger discretionary remodeling projects or interior renovations. Nine out of the top 10 projects with the highest ROI in San Francisco are exterior renovation projects.

The reason exterior projects have higher ROIs is largely due to valuations set by real estate agents. They know how important “curb appeal” is to buyers, and this is reflected in these valuations. If homes don’t look great on the outside, many buyers won’t bother to look at the inside.

First impressions also make an impact on how much a buyer is willing to pay for a home. Real estate agents keep this in mind as they estimate the resale value of homes. To get the most out of the Cost vs. Value Report tool, homeowners should think like real estate brokers as they decide which improvements would be best to make their homes more appealing to buyers and provide the greatest ROI.

Manufactured Stone Veneer Takes The Top Spot In SF

While garage door replacements rank first for ROI in many areas in the country, manufactured stone veneer provides the greatest return in San Francisco. This involves adding stone to the lower third of a home’s front facade and extending it over the front entry. The typical manufactured stone veneer addition brings in an ROI of 153.6% of the cost recouped. This is a relatively low-cost project when compared to other more major projects, but the impact is high because it adds to the home’s curb appeal.

You May Love Your New Kitchen, But Will The Next Owner?

Kitchen renovations are the most popular remodeling projects, but if you want the best bang for your buck, the kitchen may not be a top priority. Only the minor kitchen remodel rivals the rate of return of most exterior projects. This type of project may involve replacing drawer fronts and front panels of existing cabinets, updating hardware, replacing appliances and fixtures, installing new flooring, and adding fresh paint.

Major kitchen remodels and larger projects, such as high-end bathroom and master suite remodeling projects may be too individualized to appeal to a wide range of buyers. While there is no universal agreement on the best design elements, there are certain design trends that have a wide appeal to homeowners, but because everyone has different tastes, one person’s new custom kitchen may appear tacky or outdated to some potential buyers.

Conclusion

If you don’t plan on selling your home for a few years, you may not be concerned with recouping the money you spend on renovations right now, but if you do plan to sell your home in the near future, then your ROI is something you should consider before making costly changes.

According to the Cost vs. Value Report, it may be deceptive to apply national or regional information to specific homes since there are many other factors that affect valuations at the neighborhood or street level.

If you are thinking about a specific type of remodeling project, look at the ROI as well as current trends in the area before making any final decisions, and make sure to speak with your real estate agent about other ways to make your home appeal to the greatest number of buyers.

Home Renovations With The Best ROI In Sacramento

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 16:14:29 GMT

Remodeling your home can be a huge undertaking and a large investment of time and money.

You may not be concerned about this if you don’t plan to move for a while, but if you are planning to sell your home anytime soon, there are several things you should take into consideration.

If you know who your potential buyers might be, what types of homes they are interested in purchasing, and which remodeling projects are the best and worst investments, you can be confident in your decisions about how you prepare your home for sale in Sacramento.

So, how do you determine how much you should spend and which projects you should do versus which ones are less important? According to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report , there are certain projects that may have a higher return on investment (ROI) than others. This data is specific to remodeling projects in the Sacramento area, and we will discuss some of these projects below.

Which Remodeling Projects Are the Best and Worst Investments?

The ROI varies greatly for different home improvement projects. Due to higher renovation costs, upscale homes tend to have smaller ROIs than midrange homes. A study compiled in the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report shows data covering a variety of projects, including the cost of the job, the resale value, and the amount of the cost recouped when the homes were sold.

Kitchens

Excellent Investment for Minor Remodels in Midrange Homes; Not a Good Investment for Major Remodels in Midrange and Upscale Homes

Kitchens are the heart of the home for many families, so buyers are going to want a kitchen that meets their needs. If your kitchen needs a little updating, you might consider a minor remodel, which could include replacing cabinet fronts with something more modern, replacing some appliances and hardware, installing a new sink and faucet, and painting the room. This type of minor kitchen remodel in a midrange home may cost an average of $25,765, according to Cost vs. Value Report data. The resale value of this project averages $20,952, which means your ROI would be 81.3%.

A major kitchen renovation in a midrange home would cost $74,477 and have a resale value of 48,533, which makes the ROI only 65.2%. The ROI is even lower for a major kitchen remodel in an upscale home, which would cost $147,153, have a resale value of 81,964, and an ROI of 55.7%.

Bathrooms

Good Investment for Midrange Homes; Not a Good Investment for Upscale Homes and Universal Design

A typical bathroom renovation might include replacing fixtures, installing a new tub and ceramic tile, and installing a solid-surface vanity counter with a sink that is integrated. In the Sacramento area, this type of project would cost $24,513, and the ROI would be 75.1%.

With more high-end features, such as a frameless glass shower enclosure, body-spray fixtures, stone countertops with double sinks, and custom cabinetry, a bathroom remodel in an upscale home would cost $75,168, and the ROI would be 57.8%.

Older buyers may look for specific features in bathrooms, including wheelchair accessibility, elongated toilet bowls, a walk-in shower, and fixtures and handles that are easily accessible. This type of design plan is referred to as Universal Design. If you decide to update your bathroom with a Universal Design in mind, the project will cost you about $38,584, and the ROI will be 60.8%.

Bathroom Additions

Not a Good Investment

If you are thinking about doing a complete bathroom addition, rather than remodeling an existing one, the cost will be greater, but that doesn’t mean you will get more of your money back when you sell your home. For a midrange addition, the cost would be $57,766, and the ROI would be 61.8, and for an upscale addition, the cost would be 103,655, and the ROI would be 60.4%.

Master Suite Additions

The Worst Investment

Many older homes lack master suites completely and instead have master bedrooms with shared bathrooms down the hall. The typical buyer in today’s market wants the convenience of a bathroom attached to their master bedroom. If your home doesn’t have a master suite, and you’re thinking of building an addition to include one, the cost is something to consider as additions can be expensive.

For a typical midrange home, a master suite addition may include a walk-in closet, a double vanity with a solid surface countertop, a freestanding tub and a separate shower, and fresh paint. It would cost $157,934, and the ROI would be 55.6%.

For an upscale home, a master suite addition may include a larger sleeping area, a sitting area, a larger walk-in closet with dressing area, a walk-in shower with a dual-shower system, custom cabinetry and built-ins, a bar sink and refrigerator, and a high-end gas fireplace. The cost would be $323,847, and the ROI would only be 43.8%. While having a master suite may be attractive to buyers and help your home sell faster, you may lose money by adding one on.

Window Replacement

Excellent Investment

Buyers like the idea of energy-efficient homes, so if your windows are old and inefficient, you may want to have new ones installed. When it comes to window selection, wood windows bring a slightly higher ROI than vinyl ones. Vinyl windows may be available with a custom-color exterior finish, and can be suited for many homes. Vinyl windows have an ROI of 84%. Wood windows may be stained to match the hardwood inside the home, and exterior finishes include custom-color aluminum cladding. Wood windows have an ROI of 86.9%.

Roofing Replacement

Good Investment for Asphalt; Not a Good Investment for Metal

The Cost vs. Value Report studied the cost of roofing replacement using asphalt shingles and metal roofing material. Asphalt shingles are a little more than half the cost of metal roofing, and the ROI for asphalt shingles is 77.3%, making them an ideal choice for many homes.

If you like the modern, contemporary look of a metal roof and think it may be a better fit for your home, be prepared to pay quite a bit more, and if you do decide to replace your existing roof with a metal one, you should expect to see an ROI of 58%.

Deck Addition

Good Investment

A backyard deck can do a lot for a home’s aesthetic value. Who doesn’t like the idea of having BBQs and gathering with friends and family out in the backyard and relaxing on a spacious deck? Consider your budget when choosing material for your deck, as the cost varies a bit between wood and composite materials.

Backyard Patio

Not a Good Investment

A deck made with wood is cheaper than one made of composite material, and the ROI is higher. A wood deck may cost $16,704, and the ROI would be 78.8%, while a composite deck may cost $22,574, and the ROI would be 76.4%.

Siding

Excellent Investment

Replacing siding is one remodeling project that makes a huge difference in the look and curb appeal of your home. New siding can instantly make an older home look fresh and updated. And the good news is that siding replacement generally provides an ROI of 89.6%.

Manufacture Stone Veneer

Excellent Investment

Manufactured stone veneer looks and feels like real natural stone because it is made from molds using natural stones and colored with realistic, natural colors. Installing manufactured stone veneer on the exterior of your home brings an ROI of 112.5%, making this one of the most financially beneficial remodeling projects for those planning to sell their homes.

Manufacture Stone Veneer

Good Investment

Your entry door is one of the first things buyers see when approaching your home, so it’s important to make sure it’s in great condition. Replacing an old entry door with a 20-gauge steel unit may cost $2,032 and have an ROI of 72.7%. It’s well worth the money if your entry door isn’t in the best condition.

Grand Entrance

Excellent Investment

If you really want your home to get noticed, you might consider replacing an existing entry door with a brand new grand entrance. If you currently have a standard-sized entry door, this would include widening and reframing the opening to make room for a fiberglass unit with sidelights and decorative half-glass. These grand entrances may also include wider casings made from hardwood and stained to match the new door. The cost to create this grand entrance may be $9,936, and the ROI would be 92.5%, making it an excellent choice to get your home ready to sell.

Garage Door Replacement

The Best Investment

If everything about your house looks amazing from the street, except for that garage door that is weathered, dented, or on its last legs, it’s the garage door that buyers will notice. Regardless of how great the rest of your house looks, a bad garage door may ruin your home’s curb appeal. The typical 16×7 ft., four-section garage door costs $3,836 to replace with a door that includes heavy-duty, galvanized steel tracks, and the ROI is a stunning 134.2%! Out of all the projects in the Cost vs. Value Report, this one had the highest ROI, and it is one of the things buyers will notice before they get inside your home, so it’s important to make sure your garage door looks fabulous.

What Does This Mean for You?

As you look over your home, think about ways you can make it appeal to more potential buyers. Not everyone has the same taste, but some basic things tend to draw buyers, such as neutral carpets and paint, great curb appeal, and updated kitchens and bathrooms.

As you think about this, you may want to make a list of renovations to address. Maybe your house needs new paint, new carpet, or new countertops in the kitchen. In some cases, you may want to do a more thorough remodeling job, such as completely remodeling a kitchen or bathroom.

When deciding how much work you should put into your home before selling it, you should determine what your budget is so you know how much you have to spend, then you can select the improvements you think will make your home as attractive as possible to buyers. With many home remodeling projects, you won’t necessarily get back the money you put into them, but those improvements may help you sell your house by making it more desirable to buyers.

There are a lot of moving parts in the process of preparing your home for sale, and it may seem overwhelming. But if you consider what buyers are looking for, examine your home with a critical eye, and determine your budget for updates, you can make confident decisions about how to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers and set yourself up for home selling success.

How Do California Wildfires Affect the Housing Market in Northern California?

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:38:29 GMT

The recent onslaught of wildfires has left many communities in Northern California devastated.

The effects have been immense as fires have destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of land, wiped out countless neighborhoods, and even leveled the entire town of Paradise. This destruction has left thousands of people without homes and faced with the burden of trying to rebuild their lives.

For many residents, recovering from this disaster has meant finding temporary housing, rebuilding their homes, or relocating to different communities. While Northern Californians take on the arduous process of recovering, they face the challenges of the aftermath in the form of mental, emotional, and economic struggles.

Below are some of the ways in which the wildfires have affected the housing market.

Home values in fire-ravaged areas will temporarily decrease and rents will increase.

According to an article on Multi-Housing News, home values in the areas destroyed by fire will temporarily drop due to a decrease in demand.

The destruction of the landscape and views, as well as the effects on the quality of life, may cause people to be reluctant to purchase homes in these areas, and some residents may choose to avoid living in these communities because of future risk of fire.

But there is hope since home values should eventually bounce back as residents rebuild their homes. Communities affected by wildfires generally experience an immediate drop in home values followed by a return to normal levels in about two to three years after being destroyed by fire.

As families begin the process of recovering from the wildfires, many will move into rentals temporarily. Due to the high demand for rental units to house families that have been displaced, rents will greatly increase.

High insurance costs or lack of insurance will make purchasing homes difficult and drive some residents to other communities.

Insurance companies have been raising rates and declining to sell new policies or renew existing ones for homes in fire-prone areas due to wildfire risks.

In some areas, insurance is not available at all, or if it is, the premiums are excessively high, making it difficult for buyers to purchase homes.

Some buyers may compensate for higher insurance premiums by spending less money on their homes to offset the additional insurance costs.

These challenges have forced many homeowners to purchase insurance from a surplus carrier or the California FAIR Plan, which is the state’s insurer and is suggested only as a last resort because this coverage may cost three times the amount of a traditional homeowner’s policy, and policies only cover losses from fire and smoke.

According to the California Association of Realtors, if you choose to go this route, you will need to purchase Differences in Conditions (DIC) insurance to cover other issues, such as liability and theft. These insurance rate increases and the inability to find insurance are causing buyers to avoid fire-prone areas and look elsewhere for homes.

Home prices will continue to increase in neighboring communities untouched by the fires.

According to an article on Realtor.com, home prices and rental rates will continue to increase in areas that were untouched by the fires and are located near those communities destroyed by fire.

There is a high demand for untouched homes that are close to areas destroyed by fire as families affected by the fires find other places to live, and previously vacant rental units have been filled by those who lost their homes, leaving fewer available rental properties.

Many residents flock to these nearby areas so they can remain near their workplaces, schools, friends, and other family members rather than relocating far away from home. This causes a lack of supply in these areas, which leads to higher home prices.

The demand and value of homes will decrease in fire-prone areas, while they will increase in areas with less risk of fire.

Residents are more likely to be drawn to areas with a lower risk of fire, which will lead to higher demand and higher prices for homes in these areas.

While areas untouched by the wildfires will see a rise in prices, homes that were spared from the fires, but are located in the midst of communities that were destroyed should see a decrease of 25 to 50 percent, according to Real Estate Appraiser Orell Anderson of Strategic Property Analytics in Laguna Beach.

People won’t want to purchase these homes because they sit in the middle of scorched areas and are often surrounded by debris and rubble where there used to be homes.

According to the California Association of Realtors, home sales have decreased greatly over the past year in some areas, with a decrease of 24% in Tuolumne County, 18% in Shasta County, 15% in Nevada County, and 10% in Placer County.

Power outages will cause difficulties for residents.

High winds may cause utility poles to fall over and potentially bring power lines down onto dry vegetation, which may start fires. As a precautionary move, PG&E began instituting power outages causing blackouts affecting more than one million residents in portions of 17 counties due to the heightened risk of fire. The majority of these homes had power restored within a couple of days, but others went several days without power.

Residents have had to adapt to these outages, with many purchasing generators, flashlights, extra batteries, and non-perishable food, but generators are expensive and not an affordable option for everyone. Many schools, universities, and businesses have also had to close to accommodate the outages.

As residents continue to recover from these wildfires, they will face serious ongoing challenges and the home prices may suffer as well as fewer people look to move into those areas affected by outages.

These fires have caused severe hardship for those who have seen their lives devastated and their neighborhoods destroyed, and many residents have lost their belongings, businesses, and homes. The ramifications from these fires will last for years, but as people work to rebuild their homes and restore their communities, the housing market will eventually return to its normal state.

10 Red Flags to Look for Before Buying a Home with Land

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 22:43:22 GMT

When you purchase a home with land, there are red flags that may alert you to potential problems.

These issues don’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t purchase the property, and most of them may be easily resolved, but it is important to be informed about any issues that may affect your ability to enjoy your new property and use it as intended.

Below are 10 potential red flags to watch out for before purchasing your new property.

Easements Issues
Water Rights
Faulty or Inadequate Septic Systems
Contaminated Well Water
Boundary Disputes and Surveys
Usability of the Land
Restrictions on Building Additional Structures
Ingress or Egress Issues
Electrical Power Source on Raw Land
Nonexistent or Inadequate Internet Access

1. Easements Issues

Easements provide a person or organization with the rights to use a homeowner’s land for certain purposes.

For example, a utility company may have an easement to access a utility pole or buried cable on your property.

It’s important to find out what easements are present on your property, because it may restrict your right to build additional structures.

For example, you don’t have the right to install a pool on your property if it sits even partially in an easement, and you may not be permitted to plant a long line of trees if it blocks your neighbor’s view.

Find out about the property’s easements before you make any decisions so you are aware of any potential problems before they occur. Types of easements include the following:

Easement Appurtenant

These easements are attached to the formal ownership of the land and stay with the property when it is sold.

These easements allow property owners to access their land by passing through a neighbor’s land. This is common in situations where two properties share a driveway. If the property you are considering shares a driveway with another property, you will need to make sure you have the access you need.

Easement in Gross

These easements do not transfer to the new owners when a property is sold.

For example, if the neighbors have given permission for the previous owner to cross their land to access a beach, the buyer would not be legally entitled to do the same. Knowing about these easements ahead of time may eliminate any confusion or disagreements with your neighbors.

Prescriptive Easements

These easements are for when someone has been using the property on a regular basis for a period of time without being restricted by the owner. This is also known as “squatter’s rights.”

In California, if a squatter lives on a property and pays the property taxes for five years, that squatter may have legal rights to the property. It’s important to find out who is living on the property and what their arrangements are, whether it’s the seller, renters, or others. This may protect you from purchasing a property that someone else may have the legal right to inhabit.

2. Issues Concerning Water Rights

It’s crucial to secure water rights for your new property to make sure you have sufficient water resources to support what you plan to do on it.

Riparian water rights provide legal access to bodies of water that are adjacent to a homeowner’s property, such as rivers, creeks, and streams. These rights are appurtenant, which means that the rights run with the land and are transferred to the new owner when a property is sold. Homeowners have reasonable use of this water, which means that their consumption must not interfere with other landowners downstream.

Appropriative water rights are used when someone appropriates water from areas where it exists naturally to land that does not naturally have water. The two types of water rights you need to consider include the following:

Domestic

Domestic water rights refer to the water you use inside your home and to water the lawn or a garden. These rights do not include water used for irrigation for agricultural purposes.

Irrigation

If you need water for agricultural purposes, you will have to acquire water rights for irrigation. These rights are much cheaper, and they are separate from water from your well.

California residents may find out more information about water rights from the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights.

3. Faulty or Inadequate Septic Systems

Not having an adequate septic system could result in drainage problems, and may even cause sewage to back up into your home. Homes built on properties in rural areas require septic systems to manage waste.

Size requirements for a septic system’s leach field are determined by the size of the house and the number of potential occupants, so it’s important to make sure it is large enough to handle any waste from the home.

4. Contaminated Well Water

Since rural homes aren’t hooked up to municipal water systems, they rely on wells for water.

It’s important to have any wells on the property tested for contaminants, including minerals, radon, and arsenic, to make sure it is safe for drinking. If the drinking water is deemed unsafe, you will have the extra expense of a water treatment plan.

5. Boundary Disputes and Surveys

To ensure you have accurate information about the property’s boundaries, avoid relying on an existing survey of the property, and instead, have a new survey completed.

If the survey you are using has the previous owner’s name on it instead of yours, you may end up with problems if there are boundary disputes or issues with easement locations.

If your name isn’t on your survey certification, you won’t have any legal recourse if the survey has errors.

Having a new survey completed will confirm your property’s boundaries and protect you in the event of a dispute.

6. Usability of the Land

As you research a property, keep in mind what you want to do with it.

If you plan to do any farming, make sure the land isn’t prone to flooding or erosion, and you may want to avoid a property that has drastic slopes or changes in elevation.

If you plan to raise livestock, you must make sure the property is suitable and can be used for this purpose.

Local zoning restrictions may affect how you can use your property, so be sure to find out about any restrictions before making a purchase.

7. Restrictions on Building Additional Structures

If you plan to build additional structures on the land, such as a barn, guesthouse, or other outbuildings, you will need to check the deed restrictions and zoning ordinances for the property to make sure you are legally permitted to do so. This is also important if you plan to own animals or have a home-based business.

A title search does not address zoning issues, so make sure you check the zoning of the property before purchasing it. There may have been zoning changes since the previous owner purchased the property, which may prohibit you from building a structure on the land.

8. Ingress or Egress Issues

Ingress refers to the right to enter a property, and egress refers to the right to exit it. These rights often exist as part of the property’s easements. For example, because a utility company has an easement on a property, representatives from that company have the right to come onto your property to access utility poles, meters, and buried cable.

If the property you are purchasing is landlocked, make sure you have the right to access it through an easement or right of ingress and egress. You may even want to make ingress and egress rights part of the deed so you won’t require a separate easement. This makes documenting these rights easier and may appeal to a future buyer if you eventually decide to sell your property.

9. Electrical Power Source on Raw Land

If you are purchasing raw land that doesn’t have an existing power source on it, you will need to find out if electricity is available, what the process of securing the power source is, and what the cost will be to do so.

Skipping this step may result in you purchasing a property that is not accessible to power or may require great expense to do so. Keep in mind that in the event of an electrical outage, rural areas are often the last to have power restored, so you may want to purchase a back-up generator power source as well.

10. Nonexistent or Inadequate Internet Access

Services such as phone, cable television, and high-speed Internet may be limited in rural areas, so make sure you check into this before you make a purchase.

While you might be able to get these services in some areas, you may end up with only one provider option and slow data speeds. If you don’t do your research, you might end up with poor service or no service at all.

10. Nonexistent or Inadequate Internet Access

Services such as phone, cable television, and high-speed Internet may be limited in rural areas, so make sure you check into this before you make a purchase.

How Seasons Impact Home Buying and Selling in Northern California

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 22:01:57 GMT

The housing market in Northern California fluctuates throughout the year, with an increase in home sales in the spring and a decrease in the winter.

These fluctuations are influenced by the inventory of available homes, home prices, buyer motivation and sincerity, and the beginning and end of the school year.

If you are planning to buy or sell a home, you should be aware of how these seasonal changes may affect your experience.

Having a solid understanding of these seasonal changes may help you sell your home quickly and for the best price or buy a home that is affordable and meets the needs of your family.

Below are some ways the seasons impact the housing market.

The housing market fluctuates according to the seasons.

In Northern California, as well as in the rest of the country, the housing market fluctuates greatly with the seasons. This includes home prices and the inventory of available homes for sale.

Seasonal Changes in Inventory

In Northern California, the housing market is fairly slow during the holidays – the period from mid-November to mid-January, when most people are too busy with holiday activities and family celebrations to take on the hassle of moving during this time.

Winter home buyers may face fewer options since inventory tends to be lower in the winter months, and they may begin to feel desperate to find a home quickly. With fewer homes on the market, buyers may take longer to find the right home during the winter.

Sellers whose listings haven’t sold before the holidays sometimes withdraw their listings in December when getting a good price and selling quickly are less likely. They then relist their homes at the beginning of the spring season when homes are more likely to sell quickly.

In the spring, the number of new listings picks up before slowing down by the end of the summer.

And from Labor Day through early autumn, the number of listings picks up again before dropping off in November. This results in a large increase in home sales activity in the spring and another smaller increase again in the early fall.

The luxury homes market tends to see an increase in listings in September, as the autumn sales season begins.

Seasonal Changes in Home Sales

The number of homes sold increases by 34 percent in the early spring season between February and March.

This increase continues during the months of May, June, July, and August, which are the busiest months for home sales.

Typically, home sales activity peaks in June. Home sales during this period of time make up 40 percent of the total annual sales volume.

Home sales activity decreases during the winter months, and the months with the lowest sales activity are November, December, January, and February. January tends to be the month with the slowest home sales activity.

In the Bay area, the seasons may have a slightly different effect. In Napa and Sonoma Counties, there is a large market for second homes. Home sales in these areas tend to peak in mid to late-summer, with an increase of listings in September and sales in October. Since it takes a few weeks for a sale to close, we see these sales figures reflected in the month of October before dropping off toward the end of the year.

If you live in San Francisco, the best month for you to sell your home is May, which means you should list your home in March. This may bring you 4.52 percent more profit than the annual average, according to transaction data provided by HomeLight.

According to this data, if you live in Sacramento, November may be the best month to sell your home, which means you should list your home in September. This may bring you 3.11 percent more profit than the yearly average.

While winter may typically be a slower season for home sales, buyers who are looking for homes in the winter may be more sincere and more motivated than those who are home shopping in the spring.

A home in Sacramento would typically have 50 to 100 potential buyers come through during open houses in the summer and may have around 10 offers. In the winter, there may only be a dozen potential buyers at open houses and between one and three offers.

Many of those moving during the winter may be relocating because of a job change, experiencing financial difficulties that require a quick move, or going through changes in the family, such as separation or divorce.

Buyers in these situations may not be able to wait until the peak season to move since time and money are factors that require them to move quickly.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are buyers who aren’t in a hurry to move. They start looking in the early spring when more homes are beginning to come on the market.

Because these buyers have more options from which to choose, they tend to feel that they can take their time finding the right home.

Buyers with young children can be extremely motivated during the later months of the summer, as they are trying to get into a new home before school starts if their children will be attending a new school.

Many families prefer to relocate in the summertime.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homebuyers tend to prefer the summer months for moving, especially families with school-aged children living at home. A summer move makes it easier for children to get acclimated to their new communities and start attending new schools at the beginning of the school year, rather than moving during the middle of the school year.

As the school year ends, many families have more free time to prepare their homes for sale and look for new homes since they no longer have the responsibility of afterschool activities or helping their children with schoolwork.

You may be able to get your price in any season.

While there are seasonal fluctuations in the housing market, and more homes sell in the spring than in the winter, it may still be possible for you to get a good price for your home regardless of the season.

With the early spring buying season, there are a higher number of homes on the market, which is great for buyers since they have more choices. Sellers will also have more competition with so many other homes available.

And the lower number of buyers and available inventory may result in fewer homes being sold during the winter, but it also means there are fewer available listings for buyers to consider, leaving your home with less competition.

Either of these situations could work to your advantage if you price your home correctly and find the right buyer since homebuyers generally don’t mind paying a fair price for the right home.

It may be difficult to decide when the best time is to buy or sell a home, and there are seasonal factors to consider in deciding this. Whether you are planning to sell your home or buy a new one, keep these seasonal changes in mind to help you get the results you want as you go through the process.

Sources:

https://www.bayareamarketreports.com/trend/seasonality-and-the-real-estate-market

https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/seasonality-in-the-housing-market

https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/best-time-to-sell-your-home-San-Francisco-14054304.php

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/010717/seasons-impact-real-estate-more-you-think.asp

https://www.upnest.com/1/post/when-is-the-best-time-to-sell-a-home/

https://goldenstatemortgage.com/best-time-buy-house-california/

https://www.trulia.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-buying-a-home-this-winter/

https://www.bayareamarketreports.com/trend/seasonality-and-the-real-estate-market

https://www.homelight.com/best-time-to-sell-house/san-francisco-ca

https://www.homelight.com/best-time-to-sell-house/sacramento-ca

How Marketable Is Your Home?

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:55:03 GMT

If you’re thinking of selling your home, you have probably wondered about its marketability. Will potential buyers be impressed with your corner lot, stainless steel appliances, or three-car garage? Will they be deterred by an outdated bathroom, a 20-year-old HVAC system, or leased solar electricity equipment?

As you prepare your home for sale, there are some foundational things you can do to make your home more appealing to a large percentage of potential buyers. Below are some of the most common and important factors that affect how attractive your home is to potential buyers.

1. How recently was your kitchen remodeled?

Today’s buyers want stainless steel appliances, an open-concept design, and islands or breakfast bars. According to a HelloFresh survey, 64% of home buyers claimed that a large island is a must-have in the kitchen.

Maple cabinetry, which has been a popular choice for many years, has recently decreased in popularity, while farmhouse sinks and tile backsplashes have become more highly sought-after.

Granite countertops are still popular with buyers, but quartz and marble have grown in popularity over the years.

According to Realtor.com’s Active Spring Home Shoppers Report, 80% of homebuyers view the kitchen as one of their top three most important rooms in their home, so the condition of your kitchen will have a heavy influence on how buyers see your home.

2. How recently were your bathrooms remodeled?

According to Modernbathroom.com, bathrooms tend to be overlooked when homeowners make renovation decisions. Instead, they focus on more heavily used spaces, such as kitchens and living areas.

But buyers want updated bathrooms, and while you may not recoup the full cost of high-end upgrades, some upgrades may help your home be more desirable to buyers. Many buyers want updated vanities with granite countertops, large walk-in showers, and high-end finishes, but if you don’t want to do a complete renovation, there are still things you can do to improve your bathroom’s appeal. Even something as simple as re-caulking the bathtub and installing a new toilet and fixtures can improve how buyers view your bathroom.

3. How old is your roof?

According to Bob Vila of This Old House, a roof in poor condition is a major red flag for potential buyers because roofs are so expensive to replace, and new buyers do not want the extra expense.

If your roof is fairly new but has discoloration or looks dirty, cleaning it could make it look like new again. If there are small areas that need to be repaired, you may be able to do that without replacing the entire roof.

If your roof is older, it’s important to consider the durability of the materials when deciding whether or not to fully replace it. Cedar shingles typically last up to 20-25 years, metal roofs 30-50 years, concrete tiles 40-75 years, and clay tiles 50-100 years. So, if you have a 20-year-old cedar shingle roof, it might be time to replace it, but if you have 20-year-old concrete or clay tiles, you’ve got some time.

4. Type of roof

There are many different types of roofing materials, some of which are more appealing to buyers than others. Concrete roofs can look like wood shingles, but they will last a lot longer, and many of them have 50-year or lifetime warranties. Wood shingles may be less desirable since they don’t last as long as some other materials. Tile roofs are a plus, but the drawback is that they are difficult to walk on and repair.

If you are planning to replace your roof before you sell, you should also take the cost of materials and return on investment into consideration. Metal roofs look clean and modern, but the cost of a metal roof is a lot higher than traditional shingles, and the return on investment is much lower for metal, according to the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs Value Report.

5. HVAC system (Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning)

Your HVAC system includes your furnace and air conditioning units, as well as the ventilation needed for those units to run efficiently in your home. If your system is older than 20 years, it could have a negative effect on your home’s marketability.

HVAC systems are costly to replace and potential buyers are unlikely to want the added expense after moving in.

Today’s buyers expect energy-efficient systems that are properly working and not in need of repairs, and many buyers also want thermostats that they can control through Wi-Fi with their smartphones. If your system has seen better days, you should consider replacing it.

Routine maintenance can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and last longer. This includes changing filters regularly and having an annual inspection. A well-maintained HVAC system lasts 15-20 years, according to an article on Realtor.com. If you’ve had your system for several years, and you’ve properly maintained it, buyers will appreciate your efforts.

6. Type of water heater

A conventional water heater heats water and stores it until you need it. As you use the hot water, the water level in the tank lowers, and then cold water enters the tank and is heated. If you use hot water faster than your water heater can heat it, you’ll end up with a cold shower.

A tankless water heater provides hot water on-demand, rather than heating water and storing it for later use. Since there is no tank, when you turn on the water, cold water flows through the unit and is heated instantaneously.

Tankless units can produce 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute and can be more efficient than conventional units, but they can cost up to three times more. Many buyers like the idea of having hot water on-demand, so having a tankless unit will increase the appeal of your home.

7. How many stories is your home?

About 64% of home buyers want single-story homes, according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders. This is due in part to seniors and Baby Boomers who are retiring or downsizing. Fewer than half of Generation Xers and one-third of Millennials reported a preference for single-story homes.

While two-story and multi-story homes can offer extra privacy and a lower risk of burglary, they are also more expensive to heat and cool and have a greater risk of accidents.

Single-story homes are easier to maintain, safer to navigate, and easier to evacuate, but they may offer less privacy than those with more stories.

Keep in mind that certain types of buyers are attracted to certain types of homes, So young families might love a two-story home, while smaller families or older buyers may feel right at home in a single-story home.

8. Age of windows

Buyers favor energy-efficient windows, which may reduce heating and cooling costs by 12%, according to Kiplinger.

Heat gained and lost through windows makes up 25-35% of the cost of heating and cooling homes, according to Energy.gov. Windows that are old, single-paned, or of poor quality are a turn-off for buyers.

9. How many garage spaces does your home have?

92% of buyers looking for new-construction homes want a two-car or three-car garage. The majority of home buyers are couples, so having at least a two-car garage provides both of them with space to store their vehicles.

The Consumer and Products Insights Report found that approximately 53% of all homebuyers want at least a two-car garage in their new homes.

Not having a garage is a deal-breaker for some potential buyers, while having at least a two-car garage makes it much more marketable.

10. Does your house use solar electricity?

Starting in 2020, California will require all new homes to be built with solar panels, according to a CNBC article, but even if you have an older home, installing solar panels may be a smart choice.

Installing solar panels in your home could eliminate or drastically reduce your electric bill. Today’s home buyers are looking for energy-efficient features in their new homes, and solar energy helps meet the demands of these savvy buyers.

Purchasing solar panels can be expensive, but leasing them may create problems and deter potential buyers, according to Consumer Reports. If you sell your home before your lease is up, your buyers will have to assume the lease, or you will have to buy out the lease, which can be costly. In addition, leasing companies may install more panels than you would like or place them in highly visible areas.

11. Landscape features

The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s crucial to make sure your home has great curb appeal. If a home has poor landscaping, buyers may think the inside is also not up to par.

Having an automatic sprinkler system may make it easier to maintain the lawn, which is a plus for buyers. And having a private backyard with mature trees will also add to the appeal of your home, especially if your new buyers plan to spend time outside.

In addition to improving your home’s curb appeal, a well-maintained, attractive landscape may add up to 10% to the value of your home.

12. I am in proximity to

According to Porch.com, the neighborhood is the second-most important feature for homebuyers, after the number of bedrooms. A great neighborhood should be in proximity to amenities that buyers want to access within their communities, rather than travel for long distances for things such as shopping, entertainment, and doctor’s appointments. If your home is close to public transportation, shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, retirement communities, or other amenities, it may appeal more to buyers.

You may not be able to change the neighborhood in which your home is located, but your location may affect the type of buyer attracted to your home. For example, physicians and medical professionals may be more likely to buy a home near hospitals or facilities where they work. If your home has easy access to public transportation, it may attract those who depend on it to get where they need to go.

13. Special features

Some buyers look for homes with a great view, while others focus more on the features just outside their doors, such as a sidewalk or additional detached garage. Buyers with children may look for homes within walking distance of schools, and others may want a guesthouse for housing friends or family members.

Some buyers may want the extra space offered by a corner lot, but others may be concerned about the additional maintenance and traffic it brings, as well as the greater risk for break-ins in a space that isn’t surrounded by other homes on both sides.

Although not many homes have all of these special features, it’s good to promote the ones you do have. Whatever special features your home has, there are buyers out there who will value them.

14. Condition of the home

Most buyers are looking for homes that won’t require them to do major renovations, so if your home is in poor condition, it can be a deterrent to buyers who don’t want to take on costly and time-consuming home improvement projects.

Buyers will notice things like creaky wood floors, broken tiles, evidence of previous water damage, cracks in drywall, and HVAC systems that are past their prime, and these could be deal- breakers for some buyers.

While some things may be seen as quirky features, other things just need to be fixed. So if your carpet is worn out and stain-covered, it’s time to replace it. If your roof is leaky and worn, it’s time to get a new one. These improvements make your home more marketable regardless of its character.

In Conclusion

There is no one size fits all home, but the list above reflects the foundational characteristics that should be considered when trying to understand how marketable your home is.

To gain an even better understanding of what matters to homebuyers today, make sure you read one of our articles on home renovations ROI.

Sources:

https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2019-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-report-08-16-2019.pdf

https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/

https://porch.com/resource/how-different-generations-shop-for-homes

https://www.realtor.com/research/spring-home-shoppers/

https://www.redfin.com/blog/granite-stainless-steel-and-breakfast-bars-are-the-creme-de-la-creme-of-kitchen-trends/

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/ready-to-sell-17-things-to-do-first-49959#wash-the-roof

https://www.roofingcalc.com/how-long-does-a-roof-last/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-is-an-hvac-system/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/what-is-a-tankless-water-heater/

http://nahbnow.com/2016/04/two-thirds-of-home-buyers-seek-single-story-living/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/one-story-vs-two-story-home-which-is-better/

https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/T010-S001-home-features-today-s-buyers-want-most/index.html

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/design/windows-doors-and-skylights/update-or-replace-windows

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/05/solar-power-can-boost-a-homes-value-in-these-10-states-the-most.html

https://www.consumerreports.org/energy-saving/real-cost-of-leasing-vs-buying-solar-panels/

https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/make-corner-lot-right-choice/

https://www.thebalance.com/buying-a-house-that-needs-work-1798264