Real Estate stories from Central Valley area Merced and Atwater

Welcome to 2011! Have you heard that old saying “ If I only had a crystal ball I would be very rich.” In real estate it’s difficult to predict what will happen this year or even the next several years. Many negative news stories continue to emerge mixed in with a splattering of good news from time to time.

One thing to remember is to view real estate on a regional, local, even on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis especially for trends in pricing and desirability. One part of one city may have values climbing up from the bottom while another part may have properties that continue to lose values. Sometimes homes are increasing in values based on the shortage of inventory while values remain flat or have been influenced by a number of short sales or foreclosures in a specific area.

Providing you with these trends helps determine the overall value and shows you the history of a particular area. Helping you make informed decisions goes hand in hand with the real estate services we provide.

Lately stories from perspective clients concerning their recent experience with other agents seem to have a common theme that of lack of service. Seeing the properties you desire and making sure you receive updates, emails, return calls and other relevant information on the property in question is the value we provide. Too many times people forget that in real estate the focus is on helping people find a new home or successfully market their current one so that they can transition to another place. Value, guidance and solutions coupled with customer support, courtesy, setting expectations and delivering as promised is what makes for a successful experience.

This year challenges remain in finding homes as inventory remains low in Merced and Atwater. Staying positive and being ready to see the homes and make the offers will be key. Homes remain affordable throughout Merced and Atwater. There are many 3bd, 2ba 1500+ sq ft homes for less than $150,000, even less than $125,000. There are also 2000+ sq ft homes for less than $200,000. On the higher end many elegant homes are available with more space and more privacy for less than $350,000. It’s amazing so see the quality of home that your money can purchase in 2011 compared to the past 4 years.

Interest rates remain low. They are edging up slightly and some analysts predict we could see 5.5% or 5.75% by the end of the year. Wish a crystal ball existed but when you take a $150,000 home at an interest rate of 5% vs 5.5% the difference in monthly payments are approximately $50 per month. The rate change doesn’t make such a high impact as probably first thought. Working with a great lender is another key part to making your home purchase come true in 2011. Discussing options in financing with your lender will be important as things change frequently and are expected to change again several times in 2011.

What are your goals in real estate this year? Need to get out of your current situation by selling your home even if you’re upside down in value? Thinking now is a great time to stop paying rent and to find your first home? Thinking of upgrading from a smaller home to a larger one or vice versa? Hoping to invest in some rental income properties? When you use our services you remain the focus through all of these situations!

Email, text or call us with any questions, concerns or for more information. Remember no matter where you find your home the value in using our services in helping you throughout the process goes a long way.

Wishing you a very successful 2011 and hope to be your agent this year!

All the best,

Scott Messing