Welcome to The OC Nest Blog, where you can learn more about real estate and The OC Nest.
The OC Nest worked with this family to sell their Irvine home during COVID for $20,000 over list price in just 3 days! In addition, we helped them to purchase a new home for $74,000 under list price! This is a perfect example of great teamwork! Through clear communication and trust, we were able to accomplish their goals. We are so happy they found their perfect "nest "!!
Even in a strong seller’s market, a homebuyer might hear the words, “Make me an offer.” For a nicely appointed home that is well priced, this can be a surprise. Being invited to write an offer can often give the buyer pause. Most buyers will immediately wonder if something is wrong with the home. Did they miss something that is causing the home to take longer to sell? While it could be that something is wrong with the home, it most likely just demonstrates the seller’s readiness to move. It could be that they have found another home or are motivated by a relocation, but it might also be that they are tired of keeping the home show-ready and are just anxious to be done with it. In this situation, it’s important for the homebuyer to listen to their agent. A buyer who hears, “Make me an offer,” often assumes this is an invitation to write a lowball offer. The assumption is that the seller will take any offer just to get the home sold. The buyer thinks they’ve probably got this one in the bag! The buyer’s agent will be able to add context to the situation and provide reasonable suggestions for price and terms. Even when invited to write an offer, home sellers will not discount their home if there is no need to do so, and sending an offer below market value might insult the seller and prevent a counter-offer or acceptance—causing the buyer to miss out on a desirable home. Buying and selling real estate is emotional on both sides. Serious buyers and sellers are both eager to find the right deal, but foolish bargains are rare. When hearing, “Make me an offer,” the best move is to consider the home and then rely on the advice of the buyer’s agent about the next steps.
Tips for the First-Time Home Seller There is a lot of attention paid to first-time homebuyers. Most real estate agents and lenders have some kind of guide to help first-time homebuyers navigate their first home purchase, but what about the first-time seller? Selling your home for the first time can be just as confusing as a home purchase, so here are a few things to remember as you navigate your home sale. Before that first showing, it’s important to prepare. This involves not only cleaning, decluttering, and staging the home, but also learning about your local real estate market and finding the best agent for your needs. Interview more than one agent and ask lots of questions. Learn about the services they offer: do they include professional photography, video, or virtual tours? Ask for a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) and ask each agent their suggestion for the listing price and their method for arriving at that number. Use this information to determine the best agent to assist you. Once you have an agent, stay involved. Discuss the plan for showings and open houses. Try and be flexible to allow for as many potential buyers as possible viewing your property. Review the listing online for accuracy and stay in touch with your agent for feedback from showings. Once you start getting offers, respond as quickly as possible. It’s not just about the price; watch for terms, such as length of escrow and contingencies, when evaluating these offers. Be prepared to move so that you can take advantage of a good offer, such as all-cash. The most important aspect of a successful home sale is the relationship you have with your agent. Be transparent about your needs, concerns, and goals; insist that your agent do the same, and working together you will navigate through your first home sale successfully.
Based upon information provided by CRMLS with an average of 3 month period ended December 2020.
“How is buying or selling real estate during COVID?” is a pretty regular question we get asked. And quite honestly, no one anticipated it to be going so well. We have had a nice spike in Orange County real estate. Buyers having a bit more purchasing power while taking advantage of the extremely low-interest rates means more opportunity. And Sellers acknowledging that inventory is still relatively low makes for a good time to list and make the move. If you or someone you know has been flirting with the idea of moving but has been a bit apprehensive about it during COVID, contact us so we can strategize how we can help you achieve your goals safely.
This sweet family moved here from Canada, so the home buying process was a bit different for them. Luckily they came to me from a referral so they felt comfortable and put their trust in me to help walk them through our process of home buying here in Southern California. I feel honored that I was able to be apart of this journey with them. They were so smart and thoughtful in every decision, they knew what they wanted and were patient in finding their perfect “nest”. I wish them many years of happiness!
Have you heard grumblings from friends or family considering moving out of California lately? With the Governors COVID orders, more and more Californians’ are considering relocating for more space and more commonly to avoid another state income tax increase. According to FORBES California legislators are proposing a 0.4% wealth tax, plus a 16.8% Income Tax Rate.
Last month, we heard comments from Elon Musk, of Tesla moving the Tesla headquarters to Austin, TX. Meanwhile, the Palo Alto headquarters remains opens, we will see if the move actually takes place now that the authorities have given Tesla authorization to resume business in California.
MIT “developed a living wage calculator to estimate the cost of living in your community or region based on typical expenses. The tool helps individuals, communities, and employers determine a local wage rate that allows residents to meet minimum standards of living.” Reflecting that the Golden State remains to be one of the highest cost of living states in the United States.
If the proposed income tax rate does increase, we can expect a surge of Californians to move. If you or someone you know is considering relocating, please refer them to The OC Nest for guidance through this timely process.
Have you been waiting to time the market? WAIT NO MORE! This gorgeous 4 BD 3BA DETACHED home is nestled in the serene, tree-lined community of QUAIL HILL boasting sweeping views of mountains, trails & sunsets. This RARE OPPORTUNITY offers a comfortable living space for everyone. A formal living room featuring a fireplace, high ceilings, plenty of natural light & across is a formal dining room perfect for ENTERTAINING. The kitchen is appointed w/ granite countertops, double ovens, kitchen island and french doors that lead to a courtyard ideal for RELAXING or dining al fresco. Separate living areas provide a layout for EASY FAMILY LIVING and plenty of space. CONVENIENT full bath downstairs & direct 2 car garage access makes this floorplan highly desirable. Upstairs master bedroom boasts a Juliette balcony, huge walk-in closest w/ custom built-ins, dual sinks, and secondary balcony to take in fresh air. In addition to four bedrooms, a full laundry room & sink all conveniently located upstairs. The Solstice neighborhood w/in the prestigious hillside Quail Hill community is HIGHLY DESIRABLE & rarely on the market. RESORT-LIKE amenities walking distance w/ pools, gyms, parks, hiking trails, baseball fields, soccer fields & Quail Hill shopping center & only minutes from Irvine Spectrum, Oak Creek Golf Club, UCI & tons of dining & shopping. Irvine is known as one of the SAFEST cities and is also recognized as an AWARD-WINNING school district. OPPORTUNITY is knocking, don't miss out!
When I first started my business, I thought the best part would be setting my own hours. But today, it goes much deeper. My favorite thing about being a Real Estate Broker is that I get to help my friends achieve their personal homeownership goals. However, this time was even more special for me because my client is one of my dearest friends and also happens to be my accountability partner. I have so much gratitude for this amazing family, and it brings me so much joy to be apart of their journey. I wish them many years of love & laughter in their beautiful new home! THIS is why I love what I do.
Irvine Residents Click on the Link Below to see a list of Curbside Pick up & Delivery Orders available.
As of Saturday, March 28, 2020, Real Estate has been added to the list of ESSENTIAL Service.
Click Here for the Full Memorandum from US Department of Homeland Security identifying the list of Essential Infrastructure Worker’s during COVID-19
Yep, if you have a friend who might be looking to buy or sell real estate and you refer them to The OC Nest, you will receive a finders fee upon close of escrow just for sharing the LOVE!
The OC Nest gives Buyers & Sellers the comfort of working with an experienced Broker, but the personal touch of a friend whose goal is to help you find your perfect “nest”.
PLUS…The OC Nest donates a portion of their commissions towards your referrals closing costs too.
DM The OC Nest TODAY if you want to Share the LOVE and start earning $ while helping your friends save $
The Orange County Real Estate market has softened and sales volumes are stagnant. According to the OC Register, CoreLogic homebuying stats show 2019’s first six months were Orange County’s slowest-selling first half in over 8 years, since just after the Great Recession ended. Quarter 2 reflects a 13% drop in home sales from 2018. Many expect that Quarter 3 will show an even larger drop. This indicates that home prices are high and due for a correction, which means opportunity is on the horizon.
A component of this slowdown is the trade war between the United States and China as new tariffs lead businesses to scale back on investing and hiring. See Trump’s China tariffs are already hitting the housing industry. Furthermore, Chinese cash that previously flowed into Southern California’s economy, driving up real estate, could dry up.
Although the nature of real estate is cyclical and we may incur a standard recession, there is good news for buyers. Economists have stated that even if there is another recession, the housing marketing will not bring about housing bargains like in 2008. Specifically, “The 2008 recession didn’t cause the housing market to go into freefall. The housing market going into freefall caused the recession.”
It would be a fairly standard recession that has nothing to do with mortgages or the housing market, and its severity is not expected to rival the one in 2008. An upcoming recession would also, encounter a housing market that’s almost the inverse of what it was in 2008: tight mortgage credit instead of loose mortgage credit, housing supply shortage instead of a housing surplus.
Also, keep in mind historic precedent: As far as home prices dropping in the wake of a recession, 2008 is the exception to the rule. During two mild recessions in the early 1980s, for example, home prices actually increased, just as they did in the early 2000s after the dot-com bust. Home prices are less responsive to recessions because housing is an absolute need, and because buyers tend to come from better financial situations that aren’t as damaged by a recession.
The 2008 Great Recession hit the housing market due to mortgage lenders issuing bad loans that were projected to fail and did. Since then, lending guidelines have tightened up, consumers' best interest is standard practice and integrity is the name of the game. Therefore, waiting for prices to drop to 2008 prices is highly unlikely.
It has been a buyer’s market in 2019, and we will continue to see a buyer’s market moving forward in 2019 through 2020
Gratitude changes everything! When given the opportunity to work with for someone that puts all of their trust in you, it’s a game changer. I met this sweet Momma some years back as our husbands coached our boys soccer team together. We hit it off and continue to see each other on the fields and about town. I am so grateful to have met this wonderful family. When they contacted me to sell their house I was more than thrilled to get the opportunity to work alongside them in a different aspect other than our established friendship. Together we were able to get their house sold in 7 days and above list price!! Teamwork makes the dream work on and off the field.
This kind & loving couple had to make room for the new addition to their family… so we worked together to sell their house and find them a new “NEST” for them to call home. With lots of trust and communication we were able to accomplish both! I’m so honored to be their Realtor. They are such amazing people and I know this house is where dreams came true for a loving and deserving family. Congratulations on everything!!
What happens when you like the people you work with? You become friends!
There is nothing better than getting an opportunity to spend time working with people you enjoy being around. I am very grateful to have been able to help one of my favorite families find their beautiful home and be apart of something so special!
Having young kids AND having to sell your house can be super stressful, but with good communication and teamwork it doesn’t have to be. The OC Nest is thankful to have such wonderful clients to partner with, so together we can alleviate unnecessary stress and focus on the goal of getting the most money off the table for our Sellers!
The OC Nest is thankful to have such amazing clients who put their trust into what we do and their faith into the process. We are grateful to be apart of this special journey!
The OC Nest is a real estate brokerage located in Orange County, California.
