Paso Robles - Open House, 1759 Highland Park Drive, 11-3pm Sunday July 31st

 Paso Robles - Open House, 1759 Highland Park Drive, 11-3pm Sunday July 31st

 Welcome to . . . 1759 Highland Park Drive,  Paso Robles, CA 93446 . . . in beautiful San Luis Obispo's north county the gorgeous California Central Coast

This home is a classic beauty! The panoramic views from this home are the most spectacular in Paso Robles. This property is located in a very desirable hilltop area of Paso at the end of a cul-de-sac. Enjoy warm Summer nights on the wrap-around deck overlooking the City and foothills below. Indulge in the Almond Orchard and expansive open space on a 0.41 acre lot. This 2,600 sq.ft. private cozy home has all the amenities you need for a great family. Newer AC Unit and all appliances are included. The large family room and office space is perfect for working from home. There are lots of storage spaces throughout the home and the oversized garage is perfect for toys and tools. Make us any reasonable offer today on this classic beauty.

Priced at $550,000

Visit this website for more info and photos . . . www.1759HighlandPark.com or contact me today about a showing.

 

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

San Luis Obispo Landscaper - AAA Landscaping

San Luis Obispo Landscaper - AAA Landscaping

I recently met the owner of AAA Landscaping. Shawn Sousa a San Luis Obispo Landscaper that has been beautifying the Central Coast for years. 

Landscaping can be a great way to beautify and add property value to your home. Living on the Central Coast we have a variety of low water usage plants to choose from. Watering can be expensive and using a reputable landscaper that can help with irrigation tips and tricks can keep your watering to a minimum. I was happy to find out that Shawn and his company are integrating Green Landscaping techniques, like previous pavers to allow rain water to go back into the ground as well as choosing drought tolerant landscaping that can save up to 80% on water usage.

AAA Landscaping prides itself on staying up with the most current low water use methods to irrigate homes. They offer full service Landscaping needs for you home or business.

Their Services Include:

• Free Estimates
• Interlocking Pavers
• Retaining Walls
• Irrigation Systems
• Yard Maintenance
• Sodding & Seeding
• Aerating & Dethatching
• Clean Ups
• Tree Trimming

Call or email Shawn today to get an estimate of your next landscaping project. He will deliver professional service with a professional attitude.

AAA Landscaping

Shawn Sousa

(805) 748-3721                    
ssousa1@sbcglobal.net

If you need any additional referrals to great local businesses, please don't hesitate to call or email me with your request.
 

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

Refinancing Your San Luis Obispo Property...

Refinancing Your San Luis Obispo Property... 

San Luis home owners who missed the refinancing opportunity when rates were in the high 3%'s should consider refinancing in the next couple of months to lock in a lower rate. Interest rates are still at an all time low and the opportunity is presenting itself again!

Kevin Hauber, Senior Loan Consultant with iMortgage here in San Luis Obispo says;
"Current loan limits in San Luis Obispo County allow for high balance loans of up to $687,500 for conventional and FHA loans on one unit properties.  Those limits will go down effective October 1st to $561,200.  It is important for any buyers or those wishing to refinance with a loan amount between this new limit of $561,200 and the current limit of $687,500 to conclude their transactions before the change becomes effective.  After that time, higher balances will be considered Jumbo loans and subject to different criteria and pricing."

For more info on Refinancing your San Luis home call Kevin Hauber (805) 597-8844




For more information or questions on Real Estate give Traci a call 805-235-6396 or email me.

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

San Luis Obispo Historical Home for Sale !! - Deal of the Week

San Luis Obispo Historical Home for Sale!! - Deal of the Week
Amazing Price for a Legendary historic Mill Street District Property - vintage California Architecture.

$975,000... 1307  Mill St,  San Luis Obispo, CA  93401
Flier with detail

• 3-bedroom/ 2.5-bath 
• 2,500 aprox. sq.ft.
• 0.27 Acre lot
• 2-Car Garage

This property recently got a dramatic $75,000 price drop. The seller is very motivated to sell this beautiful home.

Tray ceilings, stained glass, wood moldings and extensive built in cabinetry point to the craftsmanship that fill this iconic residence. 

Expansive rooms with sun filled interiors. Warmth and grandeur describe this very special home located on one of San Luis Obispo's premier tree lined boulevards. 

Mature landscaping and terraced hardscape make for endless outdoor living possibilities.

The precious yellow playhouse in the picture was designed by Julia Morgan and it shares residence on this oversized R2 lot.







A rare opportunity to own a piece of San Luis Obispo's history. 
Contact me today to learn more about this Historical Piece of San Luis

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

Top 3 San Luis Obispo Buyer Questions

Top 3 San Luis Obispo Buyer Questions

I have noticed that there have been reoccurring Realtor questions from my San Luis Obispo buyers in the past couple of transactions I have done. I have also heard these questions at Open Houses or just in casual conversation. I thought I would address them and give my best answers for each.

1. "If it's possible prices haven't hit bottom yet why, should I buy now?"

My response: While price is a major concern for anyone selling a home, cost should be you primary concern as a buyer. This means you need to take into account what your monthly payments will be, considering not just the price of the home but also your interest rate of your mortgage and property tax amount. San Luis is 1.125% of the purchase price. Inevitably interest rates will increase, making the amount of home you can afford go down. 
See my blog post "Cost vs. Price" for an expansion on how interest rates effect your "buyability"


2. "When will we see appreciation if I buy a home now?"


My response: Appreciation varies by your local market and you would need to look at local pricing trends. Nationally there are indicators that are feeling positive about 2011 and where the market is going. The National Association of Realtors projects a slight increase nationally of 0.5%. Another company that did a National Home Price Expectation Survey showed that experts think prices will begin to build beginning in the second half of 2011 and a cumulative appreciation of more than 10% between now and 2015 nationally.


3."Does buying still make better sense than renting?"

My response: It depends!... Most people buy a home for reasons other than financial. They may want security in their housing situation. They may want to be able to control where they live and be able to do more with their home. I ask them, "What non-financial benefits would your family have to buy a home instead of renting?" The bottom line is it has to be the right timing and make sense to you and your family to do it.

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

Fool Proof Tenant Screening Process

Fool Proof Tenant Screening Process
I read Wallace's Blog post called "Trust but Verify..." about doing your due diligence on tenants. They may be feeding you a load while they are smiling your face. Do the home work on them and get the facts.

Her post got me going on my technique that I share with my clients when they are turning their home into a rental. I live in a College town and the demand for rentals is huge. But finding good tenants that are responsible is a big challenge. So I have come up with a rigorous screening process that weeds out the Riff-Raff. I have gotten exceptional tenants this way. I hope it will help others in their quest.

Here is my technique...
I price the room/house just below rental market rates to get a good buzz and get lots of calls.
I schedule a 1 Day Open house and set aside 15 min. appointments for tenants to show up. (None of this... " Can I come by now to see the room/ house?"... on their time. Take the upper hand and scheule time on your terms.the appointments makes the home seem special, like the velvet ropes at a nite club, it feels more exclusive and special. If they are late, they don't get to come in. See ya!

I require a rental application, I previously sent them online, to be completely filled out before the appointment. No form, no further conversation. Bye-Bye now!
If they jump through those 2 hoops I give them a quick tour of the home and realy talk to them. I ask personal questions, family history questions... it gives me insight into who they are as people. I will only rent to people I feel comfortable with. Trust your gut!
By then the 15 min are up, I tell them I will be checking their references and get back to them in 2 days. Typically I have 2-3 people that have made it through every hoop out of 10 and I make my choice.

The goal is to gage, integrity, time management and overall normalcy. It has been a very useful tool especially in a college town with a huge demand for great rentals. I know this works for family rentals as well. My intention is to share this and have others build on the concept. It has woked for me for over 10 years.

 

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

Arroyo Grande California Home For Sale

Arroyo Grande California Home For Sale!
You want this Charming French Country Canyon Crest Estates Home! Located in Arroyo Grande on a premium lot with over $80K of interior improvements. 

This warm 4bed/3bath home w/detached Office/Studio is perfect for entertaining & enjoying views of the Oceano Dunes, Huasna Valley & Ocean. 

Welcoming red oak hardwood upstairs & custom tile floors downstairs creates a custom feel.

This 1/2 Acre property is located above the fog line so the home is bright & sunny. 

Low maintenance custom designed Landscaping w/Extended View Decks, Paved Walks, Custom Stone Walls & Raised Flower Beds.

This Arroyo Grande home is offered at $850,000. It's easy to show and has sellers who are willing to work with your offer! Give me a call to day to schedule a showing of this Entertainers Dream home.

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