Category Archives: Real Estate agent

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 How Flipping Houses Can Help You Go to College Debt-Free

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Having been in real estate for 23 years, I have dealt with many investors looking to buy a fixer-upper and resell it, or what we call flipping. My husband and I also have flipped a few homes, making good money and enjoying the end product. With our market changing, you would think there are not many flippers out there, but as the broker/CEO of Dynamic Real Estate, I receive multiple text messages from investors looking to buy and flip. 

This week’s article by Erin Reynolds matches what I have seen on the market and analyzes a unique way for college students to make some money and possibly go to college debt-free. 

You can find more info about Erin Reynolds on diymama.net | erin@diymama.net.

As an adult returning to college, you might struggle to finance your education. But did you know that there are ways to pay for your college education while improving your financial situation at the same time? One strategy is to flip houses. House flipping essentially means purchasing a property, making some renovations or upgrades, and reselling it for profit. Today, Running for Real Estate discusses precisely how this prospect can help you pay for college and improve your overall situation!

Choosing a Good Property to Flip

The first step in flipping houses is identifying a property that has the potential for a good profit margin. The key is to look for something that is undervalued and has room for improvement. You’ll also want to consider the location of the property because it can greatly impact the resale value. Foreclosure auctions, short sales, and banked-owned properties are some excellent places to look for undervalued properties.

Exploring Kitchen Upgrades

Once you’ve chosen a property, it’s essential to make wise, cost-effective renovations that will boost the resale value. One area that can greatly increase the value of the home is the kitchen. After all, it’s the most important space for many buyers!

Consider making upgrades like new countertops, cabinets, or appliances. You could also attract buyers with a new range hood that helps improve the kitchen’s air quality. These kinds of upgrades are known to have a high return on investment and can significantly increase the house’s sale price.

Cleaning Every Room

Before listing your property for sale, you’ll want to take the time to thoroughly clean and declutter the space. A clean, organized home is much more appealing to buyers and can sell faster; it also signals to buyers that the rest of the property is in good shape. Be sure to clean every room in the house, including the windows, floors, and walls. And if you have laminate floors, be careful what kind of vacuum you use. Some vacuums with hard bristles will scratch the finish and leave you in a pickle!

Staging the Home

Staging your flip property for photos and showings will go a long way toward enticing potential buyers and getting a higher selling price. You can do this with some simple home decor and furniture arrangements. Try adding fresh flowers or plants, putting away personal items, and creating cozy spaces with pillows and throws.

Marketing the Property

Marketing is vital to a successful house-flipping business. One of the most effective ways to attract potential buyers is to go through online channels like social media and real estate websites. Consider using professional photos and descriptions that highlight the property’s features. It’s also important to write an appealing listing that will draw in buyers by discussing the benefits of the property and its location.

Go Back to School

One big benefit of house-flipping is that it allows you plenty of time to set your schedule and pursue other interests as desired — like going back to school! Furthering your education is a great way to boost your confidence while also opening lots of doors career-wise. There are plenty of lucrative degree options out there, like data analytics, and an online learning platform offers individuals the flexibility to earn their degree on their own time, from the comfort of their own home.

Hiring Professionals Along the Way

Flipping houses is hard work and can be overwhelming at times. Hiring professionals to help with specific aspects can ensure that everything runs smoothly while reducing your stress. You might include a contractor for renovations, an experienced real estate agent to help sell the property, a lender to help with the financing, and a photographer to capture professional images. These experts can help you navigate the process of flipping houses and make it more manageable (and successful).

Summary

If you need to pay for your college tuition as an adult, flipping houses is one of the best ways to do it. Learning to select a profitable property, making the right renovations, marketing the property effectively, and implementing the other tips above will put you in an excellent position to make money and finance your education. Remember that flipping houses will require time, effort, and a bit of financial risk. Be sure to do your research and plan accordingly so that you can turn this practice into a stepping stone to long-term success!

Whether you’re interested in running or real estate, Running for Real Estate is a great place to learn more! Questions? Call 916–342–2446.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide you, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry and Short Forms on Amazon, or any other of my books.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916–342–2446.

Also, mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount).

Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Condos and townhomes, Contract negotiating when buying or selling a home, Home Improvements, Home inspections, Home maintenance, Makingyourhomeyourown, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Relocation, Remodeling, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate

Navigating Your Housing Dilemma: 
 Starter Home vs. Forever Home

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Photo by Freepik

As the broker/CEO of my Dynamic Real Estate, Inc. company, I like to analyze the real estate market and give you my most honest advice and feedback. October for some reason is always the busiest month of the year for me and I have helped a few buyers and sellers achieve their goals and dreams, even though our interest rates are currently above 8 percent.

That’s one reason, we need to understand how to enjoy home ownership in any market conditions. As the guest author Erin Reynolds wrote in her article below, a homebuyer should weigh the benefits of a starter home. You can find more info about Erin Reynolds on diymama.net | erin@diymama.net.

When it comes to the age-old question of whether to invest in a more affordable starter home or go all-in on a forever home, the decision can be a daunting one. Your choice of a home is not just a financial decision; it’s a life decision. In this article, courtesy of Running for Real Estate, we explore key considerations that can help you make an informed choice that suits your current circumstances and future aspirations.

Weigh the Benefits of a Starter Home

The prospect of entering the real estate market is often less intimidating with a starter home, given the lower upfront costs. This kind of home offers you a way to start building equity rather than paying rent. Additionally, starter homes often have the potential for appreciation. For example, investing in a neighborhood that’s in the early stages of gentrification could lead to significant returns in a few years.

Recognize the Drawbacks of a Starter Home

On the flip side, starter homes often come with limitations, such as restricted space, which may not be suitable for a growing family. There’s also the possibility that you could outgrow the home quicker than you anticipated. Resale can be challenging as well, particularly if the market takes a downturn. For instance, homes in areas that become oversaturated with new developments could see a decrease in property value.

Understand the Advantages of a Forever Home

A forever home brings with it the promise of long-term stability. Unlike starter homes, these properties typically offer more room for growth and a variety of desirable amenities like nicer appliances, updated kitchens and baths, and more yard space. Imagine a spacious yard or extra bedrooms that could one day become a nursery or home office.

Consider the Pitfalls of a Forever Home

Forever homes certainly come with their own set of challenges, such as higher initial costs, which might necessitate a larger down payment or a higher mortgage rate. You’re also committing to a specific location for a longer period, and maintenance or upkeep can be significantly more demanding. For example, larger properties might require regular professional landscaping, something you’d need to budget for.

Plan for the Future

When considering which type of home to buy, think beyond the immediate concerns and anticipate your long-term needs. Life changes like marriage or having children can drastically impact your living situation. Moreover, it’s vital to consider the resale potential of the home. For example, a house in a good school district will likely be easier to sell down the line.

Connect with a Great Broker

Navigating the complex real estate landscape, whether you’re considering a starter home or a forever home, typically hinges on partnering with a reputable agent who comprehends both your unique needs and the dynamics of the local market. A skilled broker like Carmen Micsa, can be your guiding light, helping you navigate the intricacies of the buying process, identifying properties that align with your preferences and budget, and providing invaluable insights into the ever-changing real estate market conditions.

Explore Mortgage Options

Understanding the types of mortgages available can significantly impact your monthly payments and overall affordability. Different mortgage options have various interest rates and terms that can either constrain or stretch your budget. For instance, a fixed-rate mortgage offers predictable payments, while an adjustable-rate mortgage might provide lower initial payments but can fluctuate over time.

Safeguard Your Investment

Once you determine what to buy, it’s crucial to factor in the costs of insuring your property. Homeowners insurance covers damage to your home’s structure, theft of belongings, and injuries on your property. However, for comprehensive coverage against home system or appliance breakdowns, you’ll need a home warranty — an annual contract that can protect heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing systems, and appliances. Understanding these insurance and warranty options is vital as you weigh the decision between a starter home and a forever home, and this site could be helpful in making a well-informed choice that aligns with your long-term financial security and lifestyle preferences.

The choice between a starter home and a forever home is a deeply personal one. By weighing the pros and cons, considering your financial situation, and keeping an eye on the future, you can make a decision that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Remember, your home is not just a structure; it’s a place where memories are made and dreams are realized.

Choose wisely, and your home will be the foundation of a bright future.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide you, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry and Short Forms on Amazon, or any other of my books.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446.

Also, mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount).

Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Home maintenance, Moving, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Relocation, Remodeling

Finding Strength in Change: Journey of Starting Over in a New City

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As the broker/CEO of my Dynamic Real Estate, Inc. company, my favorite part is being in the trenches – helping my sellers and buyers. August has been a super busy month for me working with sellers and noticing that moving to new states continues, which is why I accepted the article below by guest author Erin Reynolds. You can find more info about her at diymama.net | erin@diymama.net.

Finding yourself at a low point in your life can feel isolating, overwhelming, and hopeless. However, one thing that can help turn your situation around is a change of scenery. Moving to a new city and starting fresh can provide a renewed sense of purpose and a chance to reinvent oneself. If you are considering taking on this challenge, it is important to approach the process with intention. Running for Real Estate shares some tips and tricks to help you navigate your move and make the most of this incredible opportunity.

Mental Health First

Before diving into the logistics of packing and planning, it is imperative to prioritize your mental health. Moving to a new city can be a stressful experience, even more so if you are dealing with negative feelings or mental health struggles. As you prepare to head out on your adventure, take the time to consider what self-care activities you can incorporate into your routine. This might include activities like regular exercise, meditation, or working with a therapist.

Pursue Your Passions

One of the most profound advantages of beginning anew is the chance to pursue one’s passions with newfound vigor. If you’ve been longing to take up a new hobby, activity, or interest, now is the perfect opportunity to delve into it.

By evaluating a bachelor of education degree, individuals who have an abiding love for teaching can transform their ardor into a fulfilling career that also helps shape the futures of young minds. With a degree in hand, you’ll have the credentials to teach elementary-age kids and do so with the convenience of taking online classes. By enrolling in courses, participating in clubs, or volunteering, individuals can connect with people who share their passions and build a community of like-minded individuals who encourage one another to grow and prosper.

Connect With Local Resources

When moving to a new city, it can be challenging to know where to begin in terms of making connections and building a support system. To start, consider working with a real estate agent who shares your interests and can offer guidance on the local area. This can be especially beneficial if you are looking for a neighborhood that aligns with your values or comes with built-in community support. Additionally, look for community groups or organizations related to your interests or hobbies. Attend local meetups, workshops, and events to start building a community and finding your footing.

Explore Your New Community

One of the joys of moving to a new city is the opportunity to explore everything it has to offer. From scenic hiking trails to farmer’s markets and local shops, there is always something new to discover. Try to set aside time each week to explore your new home. This can help you feel more connected to the area and provide a sense of adventure and excitement.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

While it is common to indulge in alcohol when feeling uncertain or lonely, it is important to stay mindful of your intake. Medical News Today notes that drinking excessively can lead to a host of physical and mental health challenges. If you feel yourself slipping or having a hard time managing your drinking habits, it may be worth considering checking into alcohol and drug rehab centers in the US. These facilities can provide you with the support, resources, and tools you need to overcome addiction and move forward in a healthy way.

While rehab can be expensive, most rehab centers accept health insurance from major providers. Contact your insurance company to verify your level of coverage. When choosing among the alcohol and drug rehab centers in the US, consider accommodations, accreditations, treatment modalities, location, and reviews from past patients.

Adopt a Pet

Finally, consider adopting a pet after your move. Thriveworks points out that pets can provide endless love, support, and purpose in our lives. Plus, having a furry friend around can make the process of settling into a new home feel a bit less daunting. If you are unsure of where to begin in terms of adopting, reach out to local animal shelters or rescue organizations. They can help guide you through the process and help you find the perfect pet for your lifestyle and needs.

Starting anew can be both exciting and terrifying. But with the right mindset and tools in place, it can also be incredibly transformative and empowering. Stay focused on your mental health, pursue your passions, drink responsibly, and more. These tips and tricks can help you make the most of this incredible opportunity and truly thrive in your new city.

Real estate pro Carmen Micsa of Running for Real Estate shows properties, handles marketing and social media marketing initiatives, manages listings, and oversees 16 agents who work for her. Contact Carmen today to learn more! 916.342.2446

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Contract negotiating when buying or selling a home, Home Improvements, Home maintenance, Makingyourhomeyourown, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Relocation, Remodeling, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Seller's market, Selling Your Home

Essential Tips for Moving While Starting a Home Business

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Our real estate market is as hot as the 100+ degree Sacramento weather

Image via Unsplash

As the broker/CEO of my Dynamic Real Estate, Inc. company, my favorite part is being in the trenches, helping my sellers and buyers. July has been a super busy month for me working with sellers and noticing that moving can be a challenge, especially for people working from home, which is why I accepted the article below by guest author Erin Reynolds. You can find more info about her at diymama.net | erin@diymama.net.

If you are considering starting a company from home, then you need to look around and determine if you have the space necessary to support your family and accomplish your business goals. If you don’t, then it may be time to move. But how difficult is it to accomplish both? Here are some tips from Running for Real Estate to help you start your business and have a successful move at the same time.

Finding the Right Property for Your Needs

The first step that you will want to take is to find a home that will allow you to live and work comfortably. Research the town or area where you plan to move and once you find the best city, sign up for alerts for houses that are up for sale that meet your criteria. You will probably want to start by looking at the area of the prospective homes and see how many rooms they have. You may want to have space between your office and where your kids will be so you can have the quiet that you need to get your work done.

If you need to get a rental in the meantime, no worries! There are plenty out there, so you can afford to be picky. In addition to price, check the amenities to find the perfect fit for your needs. This has the added benefit of allowing you to learn more about an area before purchasing a home, as well.

Make Moving Easier

Since you will have a lot on your plate with your business, you will need to find ways to split your time or make the moving process easier. We never realize how much stuff we own until we decide to move, so to make things more manageable, The Spruce notes that you should start decluttering each room one by one while you remove the items you no longer need and donate them to a charity so they can be used elsewhere.

Think Realty points out that you should also consider hiring professional movers to make things much easier. A good moving company will help pick up your stuff, load the truck, then drive to your new destination and help you unpack. That way, you can focus more on your business. When looking for movers, make sure to do your research by looking online and reading previous customer reviews so you can get a real feel for the company. Once you have a shortlist, ask for quotes so you can get a good deal.

Keep Your Business Running During Your Move

If you don’t want to wait to start your business until after your move then you will want to have some solutions for how you will keep your company going during the transition. For instance, you can access your files from anywhere by using a cloud computing solution, like those offered by Amazon or Microsoft. That way, you can download or modify your paperwork no matter where you are in your travels.

If you decide to start your business after the move, use a formation company to help you establish a limited liability company. They can make it easier for you to start an LLC. In just a few minutes, they can walk you through the process online, ensuring that your business is set up with full legal compliance.

Next, it’s time to start spreading the word about your business! First, create a well-designed logo that makes a memorable first impression, builds brand awareness, and separates your business from the others. If you’re on a tight budget, instead of paying for a design service, you can use a tool to create your text logo. Go online and design a creative logo by choosing a style and icon and adding any pertinent text. You’ll be able to view an assortment of logos for inspiration and customize fonts and colors of your choosing.

Like organizing a move, becoming an entrepreneur can be challenging. As you can see, though, with some thought and smart planning, you can successfully move while starting a new business at the same time. Search the rental market to help you learn more about the area, plan your move carefully, and upgrade your marketing game to keep your business running smoothly.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide you, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry and Short Forms on Amazon, or any other of my books.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446.

Also, mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount).

Running for real estate with joy!

Accessory Dwelling Units, ADU, Post Pandemic Real Estate Trends, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Remodeling, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Sacramento spring real estate market, Seller's market, Selling Your Home

Sacramento’s HOt real estate market – Five reasons to build an ADU (accessory Dwelling Unit)

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Carmen Micsa, Broker/CEO with Dynamic Real estate touring the anchored tiny homes, an event organized by our Sacramento Association of Realtors with Sacramento City and County officials explaining the requirements and approval process for homeowners looking to build an ADU (Accessory dwelling unit) on their property.

Two years ago I sold a home to a runner friend, and the house had more than six offers, even though it needed work. When my buyer asked me why was the house so attractive, I responded that the bigger lot and the large detached garage meant that someone could build a mother-in-law unit, or guest home in the back, which automatically increased the value of the house. During my 21 years in the business, finding two homes on one lot was almost like looking for the needle in the haystack, as the permit process was not conducive to allowing homeowners to build another in-law unit up to 1,000 square feet on their property.

However, more than a year into the pandemic, the City of Sacramento and the County of Sacramento have a much easier permit process, as they want to alleviate the housing crisis and increase affordability in our super hot Sacramento real estate market. For instance, the City of Sacramento is working on waiving any set-back requirements for the ADUs by the end of summer 2021, while Sacramento County will still require them, and you will need to do all the necessary research and go through the building permit process, which can take up to three months. Additionally, if looking to build a second unit for rental purposes, know that there are strict rules about that, and there is a difference between short term rentals, or vacation rentals, and year-round rentals.

Five Reasons to Build an ADU:

  1. An ADU, or a granny unit, can increase affordability without requiring new infrastructure for the neighborhood/community.
  2. Building an ADU in one’s backyard can help out family members, such as college students, older parents, or disabled relatives.
  3. Building an ADU can increase the income of the property owner, who can potentially rent out the back house, provided that they applied to obtain a rental permit and are following the city and county rules on rentals. In Sacramento County, ADUs might not be allowed as long-term rentals, but check on all the pertinent information before building.
  4. Building an ADU can increase the property value of the original house by more than $100,000 depending on the square footage of the ADU and the quality of construction.
  5. Building an ADU can provide extra housing opportunities in a real estate market where supply is much tighter than demand.

With so much flexibility in how an ADU can be added to an existing home, such as turning a basement into living quarters, turning a big shed into a small office, or artist studio, or building a brand new structure in the backyard, this might be the best time to start building your own ADU that can increase your family well-being and keep expenses under control for your college kids, aging parents, and so on.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide and uplift you during these uncertain and crazy times, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is going to Girls on the Run Sacramento chapter organization.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs), or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Moving, Post Pandemic Real Estate Trends, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Sacramento spring market, Sacramento spring real estate market, Seller's market, Selling Your Home

FOUR POST PANDEMIC REAL ESTATE TRENDS

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The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly of Our Post Pandemic Real Estate Market

I like to compare our 2021 Sacramento real estate market to one wild roller coaster ride that besides having twists, turns, and upside down loops sending thrill seekers on the verge of fear and elation, it also has unexpected highs and lows that I correlate to our high real estate prices and extremely low interest rates oftentimes below 3 percent. Our real estate market’s frenzy and desperation, especially on the buyers’ side, is directly related to the sudden decline in housing inventory at the beginning of 2021.

Needless to say, I have never experienced this bidding war before in my 21 years in the business as a real estate broker. And how ugly are these bidding wars? How much over the asking price is enough, you might ask? I have had an offer accepted for my buyers at $50,000 over the asking price, and we had to remove appraisal and loan contingencies to be the winning bid.

The good: offer accepted for my happy clients! The bad: $50,000 over the asking price no matter of the appraised value. The ugly: I have submitted about 15 offers for my buyers before their offer got accepted for $425,000, which is such a hot price point. However, with patience, perseverance, and my professional guidance, my clients are happy homeowners. And in the case of other buyers of mine, I got their offer accepted on the very first try, so some luck never hurts.

This wild roller coaster ride has resulted in the following four unique real estate trends:

  1. Million-dollar home sales have had a 126.92% increase since last year. Additionally, as Ryan Lundquist, our local appraiser expert points out in his Sacramento Appraisal blog, there were 94.9 percent more sales above the $750,000 and 27.3 percent fewer sales under $400,000 price range. We have highs in our real estate market not seen since 2006.
  2. The prevalence of the ADU – an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a permanent dwelling unit that may share at least one wall with the primary residence (attached) or be a stand-alone structure (detached) from the primary residence. ADUs provide permanent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.), or little homes built in the backyard of the main house, as the city of Sacramento is willing to approve ADUs either one home up to 1,200 sq. ft., or two homes 600 sq. ft. each depending on the lot size and setbacks. The approval of the ADUs is an important step in increasing price affordability and addressing Sacramento’s scarce inventory – see more info in my interview about the tiny homes trend with KCRA news.
  3. The big migration, which according to a LinkedIn data, show more workers moving to smaller US cities and away from larger cities in 2020 compared to 2019. Sacramento is in top five smaller US cities as far as positive growth in inflow over outflow of workers.
  4. Sellers’ confidence expected to grow as vaccine distribution is in full force, providing more peace of mind to sellers looking to make their move. According to Zillow economists, who show that 63 percent of sellers are also buyers, sellers’ mobility has increased for the following reasons: their desires to upgrade or upsize their homes, move to different neighborhoods, downsizing, and wanting a better work from home situation. 

For more information on the ADUs and the tiny homes and what type of approval process you need to have one in your backyards, stay tuned, as I will have a meeting with the city and county officials next week!

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide and uplift you during these uncertain and crazy times, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book is going to Girls on the Run Sacramento chapter organization.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs), or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!

Buying and selling a home, Buying or selling, Condos and townhomes, Contract negotiating when buying or selling a home, Fixer upper, Home Improvements, Home inspections, Home maintenance, Makingyourhomeyourown, Moving, Pricing your home right, Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Remodeling, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Seller's market, Selling Your Home, Selling your Home Faster with Staging, Selling your home in the winter, Staging Your Home for More Money, Uncategorized

THREE key questions to ask before buying your first rental property

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By Katie Conroy, the creator of Advice Mine. She enjoys writing about lifestyle topics and created the website to share advice she has learned through experience, education, and research.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

With so many people investing in real estate these days, you may be thinking about taking the leap into being a landlord. It’s a move that can bring a lot of perks and profits if you plan carefully. So before you start looking for a residential or vacation rental, be sure to connect with an experienced agent from Carmen Micsa and go through these essential questions to help you make the right decisions.

What Costs Should I Be Concerned About?

If you are looking to buy an investment property, you already know that you will need to prepare for the initial cost of that home. Coming up with a reasonable price range is one of the most important financial considerations you can take when preparing to purchase a rental property, so think carefully about what your desired price range should look like. Depending on market trends in your preferred location, you could end up picking homes that are slightly above your target price and offer less, but you should research real estate trends carefully before doing so to see if a buyer’s or seller’s market exists. Keep in mind that Sacramento homes have been selling at a median price of $395,000 over the last month.

Aside from the cost of buying your first investment property, you should also be prepared for other expenses associated with owning a rental. If you are buying a vacation property, hiring a management company should be included in your budget, since an experienced property manager can provide 24/7 customer service, on-demand professional cleanings, and easy-to-understand info about bookings. By ensuring you and your guests have access to these perks, you can net more bookings and more glowing reviews.

What Upgrades Should I Be Focused On?

Chances are, you will need to make some repairs and improvements to your investment property before you list it as a vacation or residential rental. There are some pros and cons to marketing your home either as a long-term or short-term rental, so also be sure to think about these as you make your initial upgrades and repairs.

For both vacation and residential rental properties, investing in new paint for the exterior of the home can be an effective way to boost curb appeal, although this sort of improvement project can be a big job that necessitates detailed planning, thorough preparation and appropriate tools. The size of your home and materials needed will determine how much you’ll spend to freshen up your property’s exterior.

Wondering what color to use for your home’s exterior? If you want to add curb appeal to your investment property, most experts recommend shying away from bright hues and using pops of color in your landscaping or even for the front door. Speaking of landscaping, if you’re concerned about keeping your investment property secure, you can also consider using protective plants in the front yard.

What Other Steps Should I Take to Ensure Profits?

Creating a plan for your finances and home improvements can ensure some ROI for your rental property. If you want to maximize that ROI, there are some other measures you can use to attract potential renters and protect yourself from potential losses. You can start by making sure that your rental rates are not too high or low for your property and area. While you don’t want to miss out on potential profits by setting rental rates too low, you also don’t want to lose potential tenants because similar properties have much lower rental rates.

To boost profits and keep your own stress levels low, you may also want to consider using a manager to help out with your first investment property. While using a property manager means paying additional fees, the expertise and guidance you will receive in return can be well worth the added expense. Plus, you may be able to deduct management fees from your taxes as a rental property owner.

Owning an investment property can be worthwhile. You just need to take the right steps from the start. Take stock of overall expenses, necessary upgrades and get a read on what you can expect when it comes to making a profit. With a smart approach, you will see profits roll in much faster, and ensure ROI on your rental.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or seasoned investor, Carmen Micsa will provide you with outstanding and dedicated real estate service! Call (916) 342-2446 or email carmenmicsa@yahoo.com to schedule a meeting!

Real estate, Real Estate agent, Real estate and home ownership, Real estate market outlook, Running and real estate, Sacramento buyers, Sacramento real estate, Sacramento sellers, Seller's market, Selling Your Home, Selling your Home Faster with Staging

Sacramento Real Estate Inventory Low – Six Ways A Good Real Estate Agent Can Help You Find the Right Home and Beat Out the Competition

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After 20 years in the business as a real estate broker, helping buyers and sellers, I am just as baffled as you are by our Sacramento real estate market. What is going on? Weren’t prices supposed to go down? Not really! For instance, in August our real estate prices have reached the highest point in more than a decade. Sacramento county’s median price was $425,000 up from $386,000 last year in August, Placer County was $538,750 up from $500,000, and El Dorado County $570,000 from $525,000.

My new listing in Elk Grove. This beautiful Laguna home with Quartz countertops is very well-priced at $429,000. Showing appointments available!

Low Inventory

According to my esteemed appraiser colleague, Ryan Lundquist, our shortage of homes available for sale is due to a few important factors, as he explains in his blog Why is Housing Inventory so Low?

  1. Our pandemic – sellers are reluctant to put their homes on the market and have a bunch of strangers come through their homes.
  2. More demand from buyers due to historical low interest rates below 3 percent.
  3. Lack of new construction and not having enough building units available.
  4. Shift in demographics, as people choose to live in their homes longer.
  5. Increased migration, as Californians move to Idaho, Texas, and Nevada the most, and some Bay Area residents move to Sacramento, where home prices are much more affordable.

Six Ways A Real Estate Agent Can Help you Become a Homeowner in our tight Market

  1. My favorite way to find homes for my buyers when our listing inventory is tight is to walk the neighborhood they are interested in and drop off flyers telling homeowners that I have a qualified buyer ready to buy. Over the years I found a few homes this way and my buyers were able to buy the house without having to overbid, or deal with multiple offers.
  2. Social media is a great way to connect people and their needs.
  3. For sale by owners are another great way to find homes that are not listed on the MLS. When dealing with for sale by owners, or sellers who want to sell on their own, it is important to have an agent represent you as the buyer, making sure that you are guided by a professional and that you don’t end up having problems in the future due to repairs, or lack of proper disclosure from the sellers.
  4. Expired listings have also been a great way for me to help my buyers find homes and negotiate down on the price for them, since these are homes that used to be on the market and did not sell. Once again, a good agent, who is willing to go the extra mile for you, can sure help you find a good home by searching the MLS data for you.
  5. Pocket Listings are another great way to find listings that will soon hit the market, but the agents have not listed the homes on the MLS yet. As a real estate broker, I have numerous connections and do a lot of networking with other professionals like myself, and I can sometimes find my clients the right home before it even hits the market.
  6. Calling neighbors who are not on the do not call list on behalf of my clients and letting them know that I have a client looking to buy and move in the neighborhood.

To sum things up, when our market is so heated up and our listing inventory low, it is time to work with the best agent, who will find creative ways to help you find and buy the right home, so feel free to call me or text me, and I would love to help you. However, before getting serious about buying a home, the first and most important step is getting pre-approved by a good lender, who will guide you through the whole process and give you an estimate of your monthly payments. One of my preferred lenders is Eric Elovski with Essex Mortgage, and you can apply directly on his website http://www.ericwillclose.com to get pre-approved for the loan.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446. Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs), or selling (commission discount). Running for real estate with joy!