Buyer's Alert February 2012

Merced County has low housing inventory so it's important to take control over the homes that are currently listed. See homes the same day they are listed, print, email, save the ones you want to see by receiving email reports here.

In today's market it's important to have a home finding strategy. Together we will review your expectations and prepare you for what you will find. Saving you time and frustration is important.

The chart here reflects current active homes, median price, *average days on the market, sold homes from January 2012, average sold price of homes and average days on the market of sold homes. The data here is an approximate.  This data is meant as a snapshot of what's going on city by city.  

City	Active Homes	Avg Price	DOM*	Sold Homes	Avg Sold	DOM*
Atwater	54	$180,775	77	21	$117,615	42
Merced	207	$183,306	132	66	$129,279	84
Turlock	82	$177,791*	96	17	$148,021	65
Modesto	366	$123,731*	93	82	$116,722	45

 *Turlock and Modesto Median prices are based on 3 bed, 2 bath homes.

Home listings in Merced County remain low. Demand for affordable homes from both first time homebuyers and investors are high. Based on this economic combination prices have started to increase in several areas of Merced (both North and South). There's simply not enough homes listed on the market to meet buyer's needs. Part of  You're The Focus service is to help buyers by indentifying where they want to live and bringing them homes by marketing toward sellers.

Those with financing such as FHA or VA face a real challenge in purchasing these homes. I'm here to guide you through the process and set expectations so that you don't waste time and effort. It all starts with seeing homes right away and ends with making a real solid offer. Let's discuss the plan of action together!

The first step is to make sure you have a pre-approval from a lender. Next is to understand where you want to live and how to make that happen at the right price for you. You're the focus and our services are designed to help you find your new home.

The great news is that mortgage rates remain historically low and home prices also remain low with several homes priced less than $150,000. Merced has homes in all price ranges starting around $60,000 up toward $1,000,000. Setting up automatic email will show you homes in any price range and any area with the features you want to see.

There are many homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500+ square feet of living space listed less than $150,000 many less than $125,000. There are other custom homes with 2500+ square feet of living space listed less than $300,000. From modern homes with acreage for less than $400,000 to some older homes on acreage for $60,000 and higher. All types of homes exist here from Modern to Craftsman and from Ranch to investment properties including duplexes. Merced, Atwater, Turlock and beyond all   have a variety of homes for you to discover.

The location, condition and type of sale will determine the listing price and in the end the sale price (short sale, foreclosure, owner without hardship selling). 

Receive details from property history, comparables and most importantly an updated status from us quickly. Email, text or call and within hours receive information that is a must in today's market.

My business is based on the referrals of family and friends. Once you become my client the relationship doesn’t end at finding you a home or selling your current one. I stay in touch and make sure your questions and concerns over real estate are handled well into the future. I promise to be there to answer questions regarding your home. Plus I have many contacts with business professionals that provide home services from roofers and remodels to landscaping, electric and HVAC services (heating and air conditioning). Your success is very important to me and without you I wouldn't be in this real estate service industry.

Other News:

News reports continue to focus on foreclosures but many of the foreclosed homes have not been released on the market for buyers to purchase. In other areas such as Modesto there are more homes to select from but often properties will go into a pending sale status quickly so having us double check on any property you find from any site will help save you time and frustration. We can show you any home and will setup a tour to view the homes with you providing you detailed information and guidance.

***A little more on double checking a home's status. Many times homes have been sold for weeks or months on a few sites you'll find out there yet the listing information has not been updated. One way around this is to email us at any time to make status inquiries on your behalf. Also another advantage is to sign up for automatic email where you will see the new listings the same day they are listed.

Sign up here.

***Often homes showing as 'Active' have offers on them with one or more in current negotiations with the lending institution(s). This is the case with 50% if not more of the short sales that are currently listed.

From short sales to foreclosed properties searching our site will show you homes that are currently listed. If you come across a home with no pictures or very little to go by ask us to provide you with a first hand preview to help you make a decision.

I'll be here to answer your Merced, Atwater and Turlock questions.

Here to guide you throughout the entire real estate process. I would be honored to represent you!