Santa Clarita Real Estate Podcast with Rod McIntosh

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:45:00 -0700

http://www.realtor.org/topics/metropolitan-median-area-prices-and-affordability/data

Hard Work and Dedication to Excellence Paved my Path to Success

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:44:00 -0700

Looking to buy or sell a home in Santa Clarita, California? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (661) 259-1100 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

My journey with real estate started when I was living in Utah and had gotten laid off while working as a welder. My father initially asked if I wanted to sell insurance, but I bluffed and said that nobody likes an insurance agent. He then suggested I get into real estate, and that is when I realized I had found what I was searching for.

I knew after the first week in the business that I did not want to be average. I knew there was a lot more that I could do with a career in real estate. I eventually met Mike Ferry in 1987 and then joined his coaching team in 1995. It's something that you pay an arm and a leg for, but it helps keep your head in the ballgame. It helps you understand market changes and ways to react to them. No matter how long you've been in real estate, I don't think there is any way to know it all.

I needed to know my numbers when I started, and after learning about net profit, it completely changed the way I went about business in real estate. I had to look at real estate as a business, and how I could utilize my brand to maximize profit.

Success has come to me because I have built my sphere of influence and work it pretty hard to find new leads. I also don't attach myself to the results. One thing I do to keep in touch with clients is throw a Thanksgiving party where I can keep in touch with my client base to get referrals and simply say 'hello' to old friends.

After 38 years in the business, I still look forward to coaching and helping other people grow their companies. I also like to assist people on an individual basis by aiding them in finding homes or getting their properties sold.

The beautiful thing about real estate are the tremendous opportunities it provides to people. It provided me with a great job and lifestyle, and it has helped my clients by providing them with great places to live, work, and follow their own dreams. I get up everyday to help people, have fun, and enjoy my life while doing it.

When to Hire a Professional to Repair Your Home

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Thu, 6 Mar 2014 11:15:00 -0800

Looking to buy or sell a home in Santa Clarita, California? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (661) 259-1100 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Should You Hire a Professional?

With spring rapidly approaching here in Santa Clarita, most home sellers are probably wondering whether or not they should make certain renovations. If you're handy with repairs it is probably an easy decision to make, but most people aren't well-versed in home repair.

To start, make a list of necessary repairs. When your list is completed, determine how many things you will be able to handle by yourself. This will probably include painting, patching, and a lot of cleaning.

You have to keep in mind that time is running out. Homes will be hopping onto the market very soon, and you do not want your home to be under repair during the spring rush. If you cannot finish a repair on time, then you probably need to consider hiring someone.

You also need to keep in mind what you're capable of doing. Can you climb ladders or do heavy lifting? In some instances it will probably be cheaper and more efficient to hire a professional, but it all depends on your skills and what you're comfortable doing by yourself.

Another instance where you need to hire a professional is when your repairs involve electrical wiring, plumbing, or when you need any walls knocked out or put up. These are not DIY projects, and they should be left to professionals.

Making home repairs on your own property can be very gratifying, but for some people it can be very stressful and uncomfortable. Sometimes it just comes down to what type of person you are. If you can tackle these sort of projects, then I would suggest you go ahead and make those repairs.

However, as the spring market is rapidly approaching, just be sure that these repairs are manageable. Don't start a project now that you can't finish until August. Be forward-thinking about your repairs.

If you're considering getting some last second repairs done on your Santa Clarita home, please contact me because I know good contractors that I refer to clients all the time.

Also, if you need help staging, listing, marketing, or selling your home, allow me to be your source for real estate success this spring in Santa Clarita. You can reach me at (661) 259-1100 or at (818) 898-2255.

Santa Clarita California Real Estate Market Update January 2014

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:17:00 -0800

Click here to find out what your home is worth or to search all area homes for sale.

Happy New Year! The real estate market was in a frenzy last year; so much was going on. You might be wondering if that will continue in to 2014.

The good news is the market is beginning to calm. Prices are increasing still, but not as dramatically as they did in 2013. In fact, from May of 2012 to May of 2013 the average increase in price was about 30%. This year we only expect a 6% increase. We ended the year with the average sales prices of $406,000 and expect it to rise to about $432,000.

What about interest rates? We experienced some phenomenally low rates over the past 12 months. Unfortunately, those rates couldn't last forever. Experts are predicting rates to hit 5% and possibly even higher in the 2014 real estate market. This makes now the best time to buy. Borrowing money is becoming more expensive everyday. Don't wait.

We expect to see a lot of move up buyers in the market. Homeowners now have equity and they can move into larger homes.

And finally, unemployment still plays a role in our market. In the state of California, unemployment is at 8.5% which is a decrease from the 12.5% we saw in 2009. As employment levels continue to improve, we hope the market will improve as well.

If you have any questions about the market or your next real estate move, please give me a call today. Thanks for watching!

Reference: LA Daily News (http://www.dailynews.com)

A Warm Holiday Greeting and Happy New Year

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 14:05:00 -0800

It’s hardly believable that we are at the cusp of yet another year – and it’s almost 2014! With a fantastic year behind us, we look ahead toward a great future in the coming months. I can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it has been serving our community members with the expert advice, one-on-one care and guidance with real estate endeavors in our communities.

Here’s a warm, resounding “Thank you!” to all our current and past clients. We believe you are more than just clients; you’re our friends and neighbors. We cherish that special relationship we have with each and every one of you.

Whether you have engaged in the purchase of a new home, sold a property or just needed advice and counsel on your real estate transactions – we have enjoyed being a part of the journey with you.

Once again, thank you for trusting us with one of the most important aspects of your life and we wish you a warm, wonderful holiday season – with many happy times to come in the New Year and beyond!

16 Black Friday Myths

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:06:00 -0800

When it comes to deals, few holidays beat Black Friday. Not only will you see many items at their lowest prices of the year, but you'll also see sales on a wide range of items, from clothing to washing machines. However, as we enter the holiday season, it's a good idea to stay vigilant; along with great Black Friday deals comes a lot of hype and misinformation. These 16 Black Friday myths are about to get busted!

MYTH: Black Friday Sales Begin on Black Friday
Here at DealNews we see more Editors' Choice deals on Thanksgiving Day rather than Black Friday. In previous years we've even seen some deals sell out before Black Friday. (Luckily, you can use this shopping tidbit at the dinner table as an excuse to step away from your drunk Uncle Roger.) Moreover, this year there are only 25 days (4 full weekends) between Black Friday and Christmas, so we expect to see retailers releasing Black Friday sales as early as two weeks before the namesake day.
MYTH: Stores Have Ample Stock of Doorbusters
Unfortunately many "doorbusters" are exceptionally low-priced items meant to generate buzz and lure shoppers in-store on Black Friday. Most retailers have very limited quantities of these products, and it's likely that only the first few shoppers in line will snag them. For example, if you see a Black Friday TV deal that slashes a 55" HDTV to just $429, chances are high that the retailer will only have about 10 units of that item per store.
MYTH: You Need to Camp Out in Line to Get the Best Black Friday Deals
If you're looking for an in-demand, limited-stock doorbuster, then being first in line when a store opens may be necessary to secure a highly coveted product. But these days, more and more Black Friday deals are available online as well as in-store. In fact, data from previous years has shown that up to 70% of in-store Black Friday deals were also available online for the same price — or less!
MYTH: Doorbusters Are Available In-Store Only
Speaking of doorbusters, while their name may lead you to believe they're available in-store only, in the past few years we've found that many doorbusters are available online as well. So unless you really need to escape the house for a few hours, there's a good chance that you'll be able to purchase an advertised doorbuster online instead.
MYTH: In-store Black Friday Shopping Is a Dangerous Contact Sport
While there are always reports of overly-aggressive shoppers on Black Friday, a majority of consumers actually express feeling a sense of camaraderie while waiting in line predawn. Plus, no store wants instances of violence associated with their name in the news, so they will do everything in their power to keep things in check. You might have to deal with large crowds and a mess of inventory, but the chances of encountering an actual brawl are extremely slim.
MYTH: Every Sale You Come Across on Black Friday Is the Best of the Year
Although many Black Friday deals offer the lowest prices of the year, you should probably wait to buy toys, brand-name HDTVs, and winter apparel. Toys see the deepest discounts right before Christmas; brand-name HDTVs sink in price between December and February; and winter apparel sales are best after Christmas. Be sure to consult our upcoming November Buying Guide for more information on what items you might not want to buy next month.
What's more, retailers often sprinkle in mediocre discounts with their doorbuster deals in the hopes that shoppers trying to bang out all of their holiday shopping will bite on high-profit items. Plus, keep in mind that while a price for an item might be exceptionally good, it doesn't mean that the product itself is worth your money; if an ultra-cheap TV is from an unknown brand, it might weaken the value of the deal for certain shoppers.
MYTH: Nobody Will Beat Black Friday Prices
Last year Best Buy was one of a handful of stores that matched Amazon's Black Friday promotional prices. Already this year Staples has announced that it too will begin price matching Amazon's discounts. In a few weeks, we'll publish an extensive list of stores that will offer price matching on Black Friday. Expected in the list will be Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Meijer, all of which met competitors' prices last year, and in some cases offered better deals.
MYTH: All of the Good Deals Are Printed in Black Friday Ads
On Thanksgiving Day, retailers like Walmart and Best Buy have historically advertised additional Black Friday deals that weren't in their circulars. These "secret" deals are only found online, so the trick is to uncover them on the web before heading in-store on Black Friday. Moreover, some retailers will respond to competitor pricing and make last-minute price cuts in order to compete. So even if you've already perused a store's leaked Black Friday ad, you should continue to check for updates.
MYTH: Leaked Black Friday Ads Are Totally Accurate
Since stores will release "secret" deals during Black Friday week, that means that early leaked ads aren't always telling the whole story. Not only will stores alter their sales, but the fine print isn't always present, which is crucial information if your heart is set on a doorbuster deal that will actually be available in extremely limited quantities.
MYTH: You Have to Go to the Apple Store for Its Black Friday Sale
In reality, the entire Apple Black Friday sale will be available online with free shipping sitewide. However, in our Black Friday predictions, we actually advise against shopping this sale at all. Not surprisingly, Apple is skimpy with the discounts, and most resellers — like Amazon, Mac Connection, and MacMall — will offer discounts that are twice as good as Apple's promotions on iPads and MacBooks.
MYTH: Designer and Luxury Goods Don't Go on Sale
While Black Friday is mainly a blockbuster event for lower-end goods, several high-end retailers have slowly broken the age-old trend of skipping Black Friday promotions. That said, don't expect the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus to offer clearance sales in their main stores. Instead, you'll see Black Friday discounts at their outlets like Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Barney's Warehouse, and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.
MYTH: If You Go Overboard on Black Friday, You Can Return Your Purchases
Stores actually tighten their return policies considerably during the holidays, making it harder to return items. Some retailers will only offer store credit even if you have a receipt. A handful of stores are now also keeping track of serial returners and banning them. And if you don't remember to ask for a gift receipt, your recipients might be doubly unhappy: they'll likely receive a store credit for only a portion of the purchase price.
MYTH: Cyber Monday Sales Offer Better Online Deals Than Black Friday
For those who prefer to fully digest a delicious Thanksgiving meal and not stand in line at midnight on the dawn of Black Friday, we understand. If you want to shop exclusively online though, don't think for a second that you should wait until Cyber Monday. The sales that pop up on Monday will indeed be good, but a majority of the best Black Friday deals are available online starting Thursday morning. So why wait until Cyber Monday to bag bargains?
MYTH: Deals Are Excellent Throughout Cyber Week
While a number of online retailers advertise week-long Cyber Monday sales, the truth is the best deals appear on Sunday and Monday only. Just as we saw with Black Friday, many of the best Cyber Monday deals have crept into the preceding day, in this case Sunday. Moreover, of all the deals we posted on the Sunday before Cyber Monday last year, 33% of them were Editors' Choice deals. By comparison, only 27% of the deals posted on Cyber Monday were Editors' Choice deals. By Tuesday and Wednesday, many of the best deals had already expired.
MYTH: Once Processed, All Black Friday Orders Are Final
Unfortunately, submitting an online order — even after entering payment information — doesn't guarantee that the items you purchased will be yours. Retailers occasionally display inaccurate inventory and will sometimes let consumers buy an item that is actually out of stock; this is a particular problem on Black Friday, given the speed of transactions.
Moreover, if a site accidentally publishes the incorrect price for an item, and shoppers take advantage of the amazingly low price, a store may decide to cancel all orders for the item. Best Buy notoriously did this in 2011 when it mistakenly offered a $100 iTunes gift card for $60; the store then canceled all orders and asked customers to instead purchase the deal for the intended price of $80.
MYTH: Customer Service Can be Overlooked in the Name of Deals
If anything, a rush of Black Friday shoppers vying for in-demand deals is even more reason for retailers to be organized, cordial, and customer-friendly ... particularly when they run out of stock! Disgruntled shoppers always complain, but nowadays they're even more prone to texting, tweeting, and sharing negative experiences with anyone who will listen. Poor customer service also has the potential to affect public perception and drive customers away from certain retailers.

Now that you have the facts about Black Friday straight, check out our hub for Black Friday ads and features. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be!

Source:http://dealnews.com/features/The-Facts-Behind-Black-Friday-Myths/

4 Reasons to Sell During the Holidays

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:32:00 -0800

Welcome back to my video blog. You may be wondering why I’m wearing these sunglasses inside; it’s because our market is so bright!

We truly do have a fantastic market going on. Even as the holidays approach it’s still an incredible time to be a buyer or seller. In fact I have a few reasons why you should list your home now.

Buyers and sellers are more serious - While you may get fewer showings as a seller, the showings you do have will be of good quality with motivated buyers.
Buyers are emotional - The homes are decorated in lights and holiday decorations and buyers pay attention to that. The homes look fantastic.
Buyers want to buy by 2014 - We’ve all heard that interest rates are creeping up and we don’t know when that will happen. Buyers are looking to purchase and close escrow before the New Year.
Buyers have vacation days - Lots of people get some extra days off during the holidays giving them the perfect time to look at homes.

These are just four great reasons why you should list your home now.

Also, remember our Annual Client Appreciation Turkeyfest is coming up Friday, Nov. 22nd. It will go from 5pm-8pm and there will be plenty of food and drinks. You can be expecting the invite with more details in your mailbox any day now! Thanks for watching!

International Buyers in Real Estate

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:14:00 -0700

Welcome back to my video blog! I came across an interesting article the other day about international buyers and their activity in the real estate market in the United States.

Did you know that international buyers spent $68.2 billion in 2012 on real estate in the United States? The average price was $275,000 and 67 percent of the transactions were cash. Twenty three percent of those transactions were from Canadian investors and 12 percent were from Chinese investors.

In 2012, the average sales price for Americans was $179,000 with 30 percent cash transactions. Five states accounted for 61 percent of those transactions: Florida, California, Texas, Arizona and New York.

So what does all this mean? Foreign investors choose to invest and buy in the United States because it is profitable and secure. Now is the time to move into a larger home, buy more properties or invest.

We can help you with that! If you have any questions, please give me a call at 818.898.2255 or send me an email rod@teamrod.com

Thanks for watching!

How to Properly Price Your Property

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:20:00 -0700

Hello, everyone! Thanks for visiting my real estate blog!

We have a fantastic market for sellers right now. With low inventory, multiple offer situations are the norm. Properly pricing, though, is still important.

Many sellers who overprice their home see a lack of activity and sometimes have to reduce their price. Buyers are educated and want a home in good condition with a matching price tag.

We are expecting a strong fourth quarter and if you are thinking about selling your home, I encourage you to do it now! You can get a great price with your home.

So, if you are ready to make your next real estate move or you know anyone else looking to buy or sell, please give me a call!

Thanks for watching!

Santa Clarita CA Market Update August 2013

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:32:00 -0700

Hello, everyone. I have with me the Time Magazine “Sky-High Housing: Buildings Up, Prices Up.” This is the magazine from September 1977, the year I started my career.

That title describes much of what is happening in our market now. We’ve had a great year and seen prices steadily increase. They're up 35 - 40%.

Interest rates have increased by about one percent in the past 90 days. It did slow the market a bit, but we are still experiencing a tremendous amount of activity.

Inventory has also consistently increased over the past few months, which gives buyers more of a selection. We are seeing some of the more desirable properties still receiving multiple offers.

If you are thinking about buying or selling, don’t wait. Interest rates may come down a little bit, but they won't drop below 4% again. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home now is the time!

Thanks for watching!

How is the 2013 Real Estate Market?

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:19:00 -0700

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What’s the current state of the local real estate market?
There aren’t enough houses on the market. Buyers are frustrated with their lack of options.

Will more sellers now get back in the market?
There will be more sellers back in the market once their home prices pass the amount of their loans. Last year there were a lot of short sales and a lot of foreclosures. Now we have a lot less, but we do not have enough standard sales sellers. That will change once people realize they are now able to list, sell and move. The market will stabilize more next year, but right now buyers are having a very difficult time.

How much have home values increased?
Sellers are not used to seeing high prices for their home. It will take some time for them to realize their homes have increased about 30% in the last 18 months.

How fast will a house sell now?
The home will sell very quickly and at a great price.

Brush Up the Look of Your Front Steps

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:36:00 -0700

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Curb appeal gets buyers in the door. If you want to spruce up the front of your home without spending a lot of money, consider painting your front steps. Typically choose darker colors to hide wear and tear. Colors from nature and from the same family are a great choice for a craftsman-style home. With other styles of architecture choose cool gray because it compliments every color and even when it gets dirty, it maintains its look.

Ten Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask an Agent

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Thu, 3 Jan 2013 09:41:00 -0800

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As you embark upon what will be one of the most important transactions of your life – whether buying or selling a home – you should be absolutely certain that you are happy with the real estate agent you have hired to help you manage it.

To help you with this all-important hiring process, here are ten important questions to ask an agent before you decide on whether or not to hire them:

Question #1

How Close Do You Get in Sale Price Related to Asking Price?

It is important to ask for this information as it relates to the past 60 days. Given that many agents are not that active in the market, you would be best served to obtain the most recent information possible. As a seller, your agent’s ability to come close to the asking price is a strong attribute and can mean a difference of thousands of dollars in your transaction.

Question #2

How Many Days on Average Does It Take You To Sell a Home?

What’s the average number of days on the market for properties listed by your prospective agent? Since this statistic can reach as high as six to nine months and in some cases and as much as a year, it is important to ask how your prospective agent ranks on the scale.

Question #3

What is the Rate of Homes Sold on a Monthly Basis?

Knowing the absorption rate of homes similar to yours that are on the market allows valuable insight as to how the market is performing for your particular needs. Not only does it give sellers a glimpse into the system and how it would translate to their own sale but it also presents a broader view of the entire market in general.

Question #4

What Do You Do Differently To Get Homes Sold?

Especially with the current trying economic times, many agents have been faced with adversities trying to sell the homes on their list. One of the best ways to learn whether your agent is a self-starter is to find out what they have done in the past when they were unable to successfully sell homes. Ask why the agent feels the home(s) did not sell and then find out what they are doing differently to get them sold.

Question #5

What Percentage of Deals Do You Represent the Buyer Versus Seller?

Some agents work primarily with sellers while others work mostly with buyers and still others are experienced with dual-agency deals. Depending on your needs, you will benefit from an agent that specializes in one of the two. It is important to ask which side of the fence your prospective agent tends to represent.

Questions #6

How Many Homes Did You Sell Last Year?

Nothing speaks louder than numbers. A very important statistic, ask what the total number of homes sold last year was and if possible try to get a more long-term picture of the agent’s performance in this regard. You can also ask for a month-to-month breakdown to see if there are certain stronger months.

Questions #7

Can You Provide a List of the Ten Most Current Clients You Have Worked With?

Rather than rely on the given list of referrals that many agents have handpicked, it’s a good idea to obtain a list of clients that are currently working with this Realtor. It will provide a much-needed glimpse into the agent’s performance on various stages of real estate transactions.

Question #8

How Much of Your Work Day Do You Dedicate to the Real Estate Industry?

You want an agent that is 100% committed to their job and if they are focusing more on a day job with real estate being a secondary thing, you run the risk of inaccessibility, lack of knowledge and experience plus lackluster motivation. Find out how they feel about the real estate industry and whether they are passionate about their work.

Question #9

What is Your Style of Marketing – Proactive or Reactive?

What is your potential agent’s style of working? Does he or she speak to a large number of people each day? Are they proactive or reactive in nature when it comes to marketing? See how this lines up with your real estate needs. Are you in a hurry to buy or sell? Does a laid back agent hinder your efforts? Or does slow and steady work better for you?

Question #10

What Does Your Daily Schedule Look Like?

The typical schedule of a real estate professional can be very telling. By asking for a copy or general idea of how they conduct their day in terms of their work, you can get a good idea of how much time is devoted to the profession and what kind of business they are running.

How to Gain Leverage Over Other Buyers in Today’s Competitive Buying Market

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:04:00 -0800

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For years now, buyers have been able to come in fairly low and actually get away with offers that sellers would never have accepted just a few years prior to that. But now, things are shifting back to a more balanced marketplace and we are noticing some big changes in the way buyers and sellers are interacting. Here are some ways you can gain the upper hand over other buyers vying for the same (few) properties that are scarcely available in our market today.

Don’t Hold Back When You Find Something You Like

A common mistake made by many buyers in a competitive market is to hold off on making an offer on something they really like. The chance of finding a home that meets every single need is next to impossible, that’s why it is important to recognize your deal breakers and if you like the home for the most part, go ahead and make an offer on it.

If You’re Serious, Present a Serious Offer – The First Time

Now is not the time to be playing games when it comes to trying to get the home of your dreams. With so few homes on the market and so many buyers, there is a good chance you could lose the home altogether if your offer is not strong enough. Carefully consider your offer and act as if that is your only chance.

Engage in the Services of a Local Expert

There is a lot of merit to working with a local real estate agent that knows the area and knows other agents in the area. At times, when all else fails, a seller may opt for your offer just because their agent also knows your agent. Not to mention, the expert advice you can expect from your REALTOR® in being able to recognize a good deal among other things.

Structure An Offer That Makes the Seller Happy

One of the strongest signs of a serious buyer is a large deposit. Though the standard varies from area to area, typically at least 1% is put toward earnest money and it shows some level of seriousness on the buyer’s part when they go above that.
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Other things you can do to make sure sellers pay more attention to your offer and less to others include writing a personal letter to share what you love about the home or be willing to waive contingencies or at least shorten contingencies. Savvy buyers also work to keep their offers simple, clean and easy to read plus they don’t hesitate to offer cash if they can do it, shortening the time period between now and closing.

If you don’t need closing cost assistance, don’t ask for it and finally – if you really love the property, do what works best – offer more money.
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Contact us today to find your perfect dream home!

5 Things To Do When Moving Into a New Home

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:02:00 -0800

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Moving into a new home can be an extremely exciting time in a person’s life. However, it can also be incredibly hectic. There are some things that can be placed on the back burner during the move in process. With these five easy tips on moving into a new home, you can be sure to back your house as safe and cost efficient as possible.

Change the Locks

At closing time, the seller of a house turns over the keys to the new owners. Many times, though, the previous owner will have given a spare key to a friend or neighbor in case of emergency. Enlist a locksmith to come to the house and change all of the locks and get new keys made. This final transition from one owner to the next will give the new homeowner peace of mind.

Reprogram Your Garage Door Remote

Along with changing the locks of your home, reprograming your garage door remote will ensure the safety of your house. Depending on the brand of remote, steps in reprograming it may differ, but the process is simple for nearly all brands. Most remotes have a “Learn” button, which you must hold until the indicator light blinks. While the indicator light blinks, press the button on your remote. This should reprogram your garage door opener remote. If this does not work, contact your remote manufacturer or local hardware store for assistance.

Change Your Home’s Air Filters

Most air filter manufacturers recommend that you change the HVAC air filters once every month. Due to the increased amount of activity of moving furniture in and out of the house, a larger concentration of dust will collect in the ventilation system. In order to improve the air quality in your home and increase heating and cooling efficiency, make sure you change your air filters right when you move in.

Install New Batteries in Smoke Alarms

When a person is selling their home, there are many different procedures they must do to ensure that it is ready for sale. Often times, during the stress of the home selling process, the smoke alarms are forgot about. Ensure the safety of your home and family by changing the batteries in the smoke detectors when you move into a new house. This cheap and quick home improvement has the potential to save your family’s life.

Reprogram Your Security System

If you have a security system in your new house, it is a smart idea to reprogram it. If there is a number-code or word-code for the system, make sure that you choose a code that the whole family can easily remember, especially if you have young children.

By following these five easy steps, a person who has just moved into a new home can make their house as safe and cost efficient as possible.

Need a Real Estate Agent Referral? We Can Help!

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:44:00 -0800

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If you moved from one place to another you might ask someone from work to doctor personally recommended a doctor. This new doctor can become a trusted family resource, and you would be thankful to that person.

Referrals like this happen in the real estate field, as well. Over the past 15 years, we have faithfully invested in our own professional education by attending a wide range of events, and we communicate with top agents across the country. We mastermind regularly with these agents, who are providing superior results to their clients. So if you have a family member, friend, or business associate with a real estate need anywhere in North America, contact us so that we can provide you with an agent with experience and a proven track record.

Just like the field of medicine, the real estate marketplace is constantly evolving, you need to work with professionals who are willing to continually educate themselves, who innovate, invest in their businesses, and commit to world class service.

Let us help you locate those professionals nationwide.

October 2012 Real Estate Market Update

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:23:00 -0700

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If you have been following the real estate market, chances are you already know that things have been slowly but surely improving over the past few years. Particularly during the past two years we have seen a stronger market in terms of sales and inventory levels. Today, we are looking at inventory levels so low that sellers are finally enjoying a market controlled by them for the first time in years.

Record Setting Low Interest Rates Still Going Strong

But the news is not all bad for buyers. Though they are no longer in “control” of the market, buyers are still enjoying very strong buying power with the phenomenal interest rates still available. In fact, with the Fed keeping the base rate low, we can expect to continue seeing such low interest rates until at least late 2013.

Short Sales Continue to Relieve Many Underwater Mortgagors

One of the things we have been dealing with is a higher number of pending short sales. Banks are now streamlining the process more so than what we had seen in the immediate aftermath of the 2007/2008 housing crisis. For those that may not know the clear definition of a short sale; when a house is worth less than what is owed on it, a short sale takes place to satisfy a partial amount of the loan and the bank is left with a shortfall on the rest. There are some eligibility requirements such as there must be a hardship to qualify for a short sale, however for the right candidates it can be a good alternative to foreclosure. In some cases, banks will even provide several thousand dollars in relocation assistance to qualified short sale sellers.

Sellers Enjoying Multiple Offers and Stronger Selling Market

Along with fewer homes on the market, comes increased demand and simultaneously a push toward higher prices. One of the effects of our current seller’s market is that sellers are experiencing multiple offers. The number of days it takes to sell properties is also going down, making it an even more ripe market to sell your home.

For homeowners currently stuck with interest rates that are higher than today’s super low rates, refinances are providing a huge amount of savings. In fact, some borrowers have had multiple refinances over the past 18 months.
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If you would like to sit down to evaluate your real estate situation, goals or needs – contact us today at 661-259-1100, 818-898-2255 or email at rod@teamrod.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Today’s Real Estate Market Provides Plenty of Financing Opportunities for Buyers

Rod@TeamRod.com (Rod McIntosh) — Mon, 21 May 2012 09:14:00 -0700

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Understandably, many buyers are extremely wary of approaching lenders about purchasing a property these days. And this trepidation comes for good reason. After the 2007 mortgage crisis and the subsequent recession hit people did not know what to expect. Around the same time a perfect storm was building that ended up in the revelation of one of the most unprecedented mortgage scandals ever to hit the US in 2010. The result was cautious lenders, nervous borrowers and a lot of uncertainty about mortgages.

Fast-forward to today and a lot of that has cleared up. The national real estate market has come back down to earth, the banks involved in the robo-signing scandal have settled with regulators and lenders are back in the business of providing loans to deserving homebuyers.

Lenders Requirements Soften As More Consumers Apply for Loans

Just a couple years ago it seemed that in order to buy a home, buyers would have to jump through impossible hoops of proverbial fire. There were countless checks, verifications, documentation requests, explanation letters and more. Many buyers were faced with grueling processes that left them broken spirited and dejected throughout the ordeal.

But today, more and more buyers are reporting easier mortgage applications. Lenders still do have their requirements – especially in light of past mistakes that led to countless foreclosures that might have otherwise been avoided today. As long as a buyer has a job, decent credit and transparent financial records – the mortgage application is fairly simple these days. Banks like to see stable employment for at least the past two years in most cases and their definition of good credit is a credit score of at least 620. Being able to demonstrate the source of all income is another factor that weighs heavy on creditors’ decision to approve mortgage applications.

Ideal Market for Buyers In Multiple Scenarios

First time buyers have an excellent opportunity to buy at record-setting low interest rates. In fact, for buyers with at least a 20% down payment on their home the rate is currently below 4% for qualified buyers in many markets. Not only does a 20% down payment these days ensure a lower interest rate but it also eliminates the need for Private Mortgage Insurance – an expense that can add a significant amount to each monthly payment.

Homeowners with equity in their existing properties are at a perfect advantage right now with the ability to move up into a bigger and better home, either at the same monthly payment or by reducing their mortgage term and effectively paying it off sooner. In addition, their property tax bills will be lower given that they are paying less on their properties.

Finally, the current market presents an excellent opportunity for investors – whether to rent out the property, hold on to it as a vacation home or flip it for a short-term return on investment. Once again, with 20% down this is an unprecedented opportunity to break even or see positive cash flow almost immediately on a new home or condo.
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If you would like to explore your options in today’s market – contact us today! We’ll review your real estate goals and work to achieve them so that you can create long-term wealth while enjoying the peace of mind and happiness of owning a great home!