How To Determine the Price of Your Home

How To Determine the Price of Your Home

When your home is on the market you have one chance to make a first impression with your listing price. Make your best effort to price it to sell!

When choosing the final listing price number,  lean on your realtor to help you on the market is for your type of home. Is the market going up or down and why. Your realtor will help with establishing unique amenities your home has to market the property to get the best price. Your realtor can also give you comparable property reports (CMA) to show you recent sales activity.  Properties that sold in your area that are similar to your home are the best indication of where your home should be priced.

In the end you determine what you want to list your home for. Your realtor is your professional advisor to the current market. Taking their advice will get your home sold quickly and for top dollar. If you over price your home your home may become stale and people may think there's something wrong with your home. Not the impression you need to sell your home for top dollar.

Start out strong and you will be happier with the results and better off financially.

"A Realtor that knows homes." Traci Ferguson 805-235-6396 traci@traciferguson.com http://www.traciferguson.com License #01875751, ecoBroker #16082

Now Accessing Statewide MLS!

Now Accessing Statewide MLS (Multiple Listing Service)!

Many folks don't know that 99.9% of Realtors in San Luis Obispo only have assess to their County's homes for sale, this is a very narrow segment of the Real Estate market. This puts you the home buyer and seller at an extreme disadvantage. I am proud to say that I am a recent member of the California Statewide MLS system.  Being a member I will be a stronger resource to you as your Realtor.

This Statewide MLS has the most complete and accurate database of listings. I'm able to send you listings, set you up for email notifications of new property and the biggest advantage is that I'm able to list your home and market your home statewide. This advantage gets you maximum exposure to other Realtors, and their buyers, in California.

I work hard to keep on the cutting edge of my business to continue to deliver on your evolving client/ consumer expectations. I look forward to listing your home on the Statewide MLS in the near future.

Please call or email me with any question about the subject of Real Estate. I'm here to help!

"A Realtor that knows homes." Traci Ferguson 805-235-6396 traci@traciferguson.com http://www.traciferguson.com License #01875751, ecoBroker #16082

Great Investment Property in Grover Beach... $489K for a Tri-Plex

Great Investment Property in Grover Beach... $489K for a Tri-Plex

I have a listing in Grover Beach that is a great opportunity for any investor in San Luis Obispo.

Contemporary Grover Beach Tri-Plex! Units are 2-Bed, 1-Bath w/ 2car Garage. Each unit is separate from another, no adjoining walls. Units have high clear story windows with tons of natural light & generous living rooms. Live in one and rent out the other 2-units. Very strong rental area & below market rental rates. Coin-op laundry on-site. Seller also ownes the Tri-Plex next door and is also available for purchase. A current expense report is available on request. Seller intends on doing a 1031 exchange.

To see more photos click Tri-Plex. Or if you would like an expense report email Traci.

"A Realtor that knows homes." Traci Ferguson 805-235-6396 traci@traciferguson.com http://www.traciferguson.com License #01875751, ecoBroker #16082

Buyer Resources - MLS Search San Luis Obispo

MLS Search tools are the best way to look for homes for sale online in San Luis.

I have added a new MLS (Multiple Listing Service) feature to my site that will help you look at property in an easy way.  My new "Real Estate Listings" Button is a helpful MLS tool to search all homes in San Luis Obispo County. 

Go to http://www.traciferguson.com and click on the far right button, "Real Estate Listings" and begin your search for any type of property you are looking for. I can also set up a customized search for you. Get new up to date listings sent to your in box. Let me be your home resource for you and your family.

Traci Ferguson
805.235.6396
traci@traciferguson.com
http://www.traciferguson.com

San Luis Obispo Downtown Home for Sale!

Blocks from down town San Luis Obsipo, this home combines modern construction and features with classic, downtown San Luis style. Wood floors from the original structure have been utilized in the main home and a very clean studio over the garage has direct access from the alley as do all three garage spaces.

Click Here to see and learn more about this home.

MAIN HOME: A cathedral ceiling in the great room plus woodburning fireplace, slate hearth, hardwood flooring, and recessed lighting to help set the mood for gorgeous SLO living. There are dual-paned windows, decorator colors, beautiful cabinetry in the kitchen, along with a Fisher Paykal 5-burner gas cooktop, electric convection oven, large countertops and slate tile flooring.

Enjoy a home that boasts two suites! The master suite with walk-in closet and master bath also with dual vanities, plus separate shower and jetted tub . . . the guest suite, with its own full bath, has plenty of closet space and an extra bonus nook that offers extra furnishing possibilities!
The indoor laundry is an added convenience.

 Click Here to see more of the interior of this home.

DETACHED STUDIO: The separate studio to the rear has its own balcony view deck, vaulted ceiling, wood flooring, custom and recessed lighting, kitchen, full bathroom, and large room for bedroom / living room / dining area.

The yard has privacy fencing and lots of gardening possibilities ... Bring your ideas for creating your own garden / entertainment haven. SLO’s perfect microclimate may serve your planting ideas well.
There is a fenced side yard off the main home offering privacy and an area for pets or playing.
This home includes a 3-car garage below the studio.  Offered at $699,000

Click Here to see and learn more about this home. Or call me today to learn more 805.235.6396

First Time Home Buyers Tips_San Luis Obispo

As a first time home buyer don't let information overload get the best of you! Today I want to share some tips to keep you focused and motivated to find your first home in San Luis Obispo with ease.

 

Defining your search Parameters as a First Time Home Buyer

Begin on the Internet. Learn about the neighborhoods you like and can see yourself living in. With just a few clicks of the mouse, you can search through hundreds of neighborhoods and homes, view virtual tours, sort through dozens of photographs and aerial shots. Once you've found the location in San Luis Obispo County, call me to get a list of homes in the area you like. I can send you a detailed list of Condos/ Homes/ Townhomes/ Land, to begin your search for your first home. Click here to get a customized Free Home Search, just for you.

 

How Long Should It Take to Buy Your First Home? 

A motivated first time home buyer will find a home within two weeks. I'll listen to your wants, needs and arrange to show only those homes that fit your particular parameters. I'll also preview the homes before showing them to you. My job is to not waste your time looking at every home out there, just the homes that fit your needs. 

 

Rate the homes you've seen:

• Bring a digital camera and begin each series of photos with a close-up of the house number to identify each home and take photos of the interior an exterior of the parts you want to remember.
• Take detailed notes of unusual features, colors and design elements. (Ask me for your own "Home Search Sheet" to keep track and stay organized.)
• Pay attention to the neighborhood surroundings. What's next door? Do 2-story homes tower over your single story?
• Do you like the location? Is it near a park or a power plant?
• Immediately after leaving, rate each home on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best.

 

Take a Second look at your top choices:

Once you have toured homes for a couple of weeks, revisit your top three. You will instinctively know which homes are perfect for you. Request to go back to the home and see it with a new set of eyes, you will always see new items you didn't see the first go-around. Be discriminating and rate the home again from 1-10 with 10 being the best. Ask yourself, "Is this the home for me? Does it meet all my needs?

 

Making a home selection:

In the end you make the home selection on your own. As your Realtor I will guide you through the pros and cons of the homes you've seen and liked, but I will not steer you into picking a certain home. I want you to pick with out any interference from me. My job is to make sure you feel confident about the home choice you have made and the home meets your needs.

So this is what you can expect from your home buying experience with me. It doesn't need to be overwhelming or difficult. The plan above will help you through the easiest home buying experience possible. I'm here to help you through it!  Click here to get a customized Free Home Search, just for you. Or sign up on my website to get my new Book; Real Estate Made Simple, Primarily for the First Time Home Buyer, By Traci Ferguson. It will be out at the end of Feb 2011.

Give me a call today or email me. I'd love to find your first home!
805-235-6396

San Luis Obsipo Condos for First Time Home Owners

Condos in San Luis Obispo are always for sale, but according to local Real Estate Sales the condo market is at it's hottest between the months of January till the end of May. In fact, roughly 90% of all condos go into escrow during this time frame.

So if your thinking of buying a condo in the near future know that your largest inventory and best time to buy is just around the corner. Interest rates are still low and first time home buyer programs make Condos a great investment for the future with very little down. FHA programs only need 3% down making it very affordable either as a personal residence or as an investment property.

I bought a three bedroom Condo while I was going to Cal Poly SLO in 1998, I rented the other 2 rooms out and my mortgage was almost paid for from the rent of my two housemates. Today the home is an income property and still has Cal Poly renters, it pays for itself and then some.

If you're a first time home buyer and have questions about how much down payment you would need for a Condo or Home, I'm here to be your resource. Condos are not complicated or tricky. They give you the flexibility of being a home owner with less maintenance to worry about like yard work, maintaining the exterior paint and roof; typically paid with your home owners fees.

Let's talk about if it is the right fit for you; traci@tracifergsuon.com
Give me a call or email me today to learn more!

Click here for San Luis Obispo Condos currently on the market
If you're looking for a condo in San Luis Obispo County email or call me today!
805-235-6396

San Luis Obispo-Custom Contemporary Green Home

Custom contemporary green home in San Luis Obispo, newly remodeled and is a must see!

From the exterior to the interior the theme is sustainable living for the modern lifestyle.
This San Luis Obispo home has an open floor plan with over 2,000 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms and 2 amazing bathrooms. The elevated views of the East San Luis Mountains are framed in large floor to ceiling dual pane low-E windows. These large windows bring in tons of amazing natural light, lowering your energy use during the day. The finishes of the home are sustainable and green. From the solid bamboo flooring, steel cable railings, low-VOC paint on the walls and Brazilian Ipe wood on the decking. The Brazilian Ipe was also used as an exterior finish at the front of the home, creating a warm wood horizontal texture for incredible curb appeal.

Energy efficiency is also part of the sustainable theme to this home. Brand new heating and plumbing systems with a hot water booster heater, saves on daily water and energy use. The completely remodeled bathrooms have low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled glass shower tiles and slate flooring. The contemporary kitchen amenities include ENERGY STAR®  kitchen appliances, concrete counter tops with plenty of storage and pantry space.

The native landscaping, surrounding the 6,969 sq.ft. lot, is drought tolerant and filled with mature plantings. The backyard has an additional Ipe deck that opens up to a lush play area or gathering space. Perfect for back yard BBQ's or catching some sun.

The neighborhood amenities are too numerous to list. You are within walking and biking distance to major transportation, farmers markets, dining and the heart of Central Coast living; Downtown San Luis Obsipo.

As your Certified ecoBroker. I'm here to help you with finding the perfect SLO ecoHome of your dreams. EMAIL me TODAY for homes in your area or more in formation on this amazing home.

San Luis Obispo Luxury Home-Central Coast

No San Luis Obsipo home is quite like this!
This Central Coast Mediterranean inspired high end custom home was designed by local San Luis Obsipo Architect Bill Isaman. It's spacious 4-bed, 3.5-bath, 4,500 sq.ft. open plan, sits on 1 Acre. It has incredible Architectural detailing and wonderful use of light & space.  The gourmet kitchen has tons of natural light & prep space, perfect for entertaining and large parties in the kitchen. There is a guest suite w/bath downstairs. Beautiful Master Suite w/ fire place has a view of the San Luis Mountains. The upstairs also has an office, 2 bedrooms and playroom. The large back patio is perfect for outdoor dining and events. Photos were taken by a San Luis local Photographer Dennis Swanson, Studio101West Photography.

This home is a Short Sale and is currently under contract. No further offers will be accepted.

To view the Details of the property Click here.
To view my other listings Click here.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.

San Luis Obispo-New Condo Homes for Sale - Deal of the week

Central Coast of San Luis Obispo offers up some brand new condos. New 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes with up to 1,568 square feet, complemented by a fully-furnished Clubhouse/Fitness Center, walking trails, meditation gardens, and seasonal streams just minutes from downtown San Luis, next to local transportation, parks, tot-lot, fitness center, clubhouse & neighborhood amenities.

Laurel Creek combines the charm of San Luis Obispo with the convenience of living just a few minutes to downtown. And it's perfect for those now renting, who can take advantage of all the benefits of home ownership at a cost comparable to what you may now be paying for apartment rent.

This stunning community of townhomes offers a distinctive selection of floor plans and eclectic architectural styles. Each Laurel Creek home has been thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the garden views and mountain ranges that make San Luis Obispo such a special place to live.

They are located at Laurel Creek off of Orcutt. They have new and improved floor plans (four styles to choose from). All starting at $296,900; a steal for San Luis Obispo homes. They are FHA & VA approved, so you can put down as little as 3%. 0% down for a VA loan. Give me a call to see if you qualify 805-235-6396.

This San Luis Obispo Deal of the Week, is very affordable for parents looking to find housing for their college students. It's also a great Investment opportunity for the long term, while San Luis Obispo home prices are low and loan prices are lower than they've been for 40 years.

I'm the expert on these SLO Condos and I'm here to answer any questions you have. Email me or call me today with your questions.

To view the Details of the property Click here.
To view my other listings Click here.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.

Shell Beach - Central Coast Exclusive View Property

Shell Beach, Central Coast Lot with ocean front views on the bluffs. Located in the Bluffs development in Shell Beach, this 3 acre property overlooks a pristine ocean cove and the entire Central Coast line from Avila Beach to Santa Maria's Point Sal. It has an amazing 180 degree unobstructed view of the ocean. The location and the views are what make this property very exclusive.

As a Realtor I see many properties and there are very few that are as unique as this lot. It is adjacent to acres of open space and situated in a gated development of 21 multi-million dollar homes.

To view this Shell Beach property details click here.
To view my other listings click here.
Or call Traci at  805.235.6396. I look forward to helping you with your Real Estate needs.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.

Photo #1- Gated Entry to the Bluffs Lot

Photo #2 - View from the lot looking down at the Central Coast Ocean and Avila Bay.

Photo #3 -View from the lot looking at Shell Beach

Central Coast Custom Home Sites - Las Ventanas

Central Coast Custom Home Sites

This new prestigious community is located just minutes from the Village of Arroyo Grande, nine miles from San Luis Obispo, eight miles to Pismo Beach and close to the wineries of the Central Coast. Las Ventanas features 56 home sites within over 4,000 acres of protected open space.

The home sites are clustered among oak woodlands, rolling hills, panoramic views of the mountains, Talley Farms and Talley Vineyard. Price ranges start from the low $300,000, for two to three acre parcels.

Email me to get more information on these beautiful Lots.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.

Atascadero Lot with Amazing Views - Rare 1.6 acre Property!

Build your dream home on this Atascadero View Lot!!! It's located only a half mile to HWY-101 and minutes to major shopping. As the listing Realtor, I did something out-of-the-box to market this lot listing.
I created two marked walking trails that guide you to four possible building sites. I want any potential buyer to envision the location of their home and see the incredible views. This Atascadero lot is a 20 minute drive from San Luis Obispo, located in a great family friendly neighborhood. 
Take a hike, to see the potential of this great Atascadero property located on the Central Coast.



To learn about other ways I think outside of the box check out my website.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.

Lompoc-Vandenberg Village Home Video Tour

Please view this high quality Real Estate Video in Vandenberg Village.  On the Central Coast, near Lompoc, you'll find this upper scale community nestled in near a nature preserve and Golf Course.  This family oriented neighborhood, is located between Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Santa Ynez.

Enjoy the video. If you have any questions, please contact Traci at 805-235-6396. This is an example of the polish I can provide as your Real Estate Agent listing your home.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page for listings on the Central Coast.