Serra Meadows - Phase One Homes will be open this Friday!

 Serra Meadows - Phase One Homes will be open this Friday!

I have a wonderful announcement for the first release of homes for Serra Meadows will be on Friday Aug. 23th. The details below will outline the way they will be allowing the pre-qualified buyers to choose their homes. Remember, having a realtor in your corner representing you will be critical. If you go in without one you have no representation fighting for your best interest and guiding you thru the process. Please give me a call if you need a realtor or have any questions. Below are the details for the launch.

"We are pleased to announce that due to strong demand, buyer input, and our desire to allow for option selections prior tocutoff dates, we will begin reserving the homes in Phase One on Friday, August 23, 2013.

We will offer the homes in Phase One to buyers that have been pre-qualified with Commerce Mortgage.  When you obtain your pre qualification letter from Commerce Mortgage there will be a number on your letter.  This number will reflect your position on the list of pre-qualified buyers, and we will begin offering the homes in Phase One in numeric order.  If your number comes up and you pass on any of the remaining homes, you will go to the end of the pre-qualification list.  Once the last home in the Phase One is reserved, the position on the list will be re-set, so the next person in line, would be number one for our next release and so on. 

So if you have interest in any of the homes offered in Phase One, we urge you to pre-qualify with Commerce Mortgage as soon as possible.  If you are a cash buyer, you will still need to pre-qualify with Commerce Mortgage. 

Contact Traci Ferguson (805)235-6396, if you need to get prequalified with Bank of Commerce Mortgage.

Also, we are excited to announce an incentive for the homes in Phase One.  If Commerce Mortgage provides your loan, you will receive a $3,000 credit toward your closing costs! "

Please give me a call if you need realtor representation or have any questions about Serra Meadows or anything Real Estate related. 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

Clover and Branch - Budding new business in SLO

Clover & Branch - Budding new business in San Luis Obispo

If you are looking for a wonderful floral design studio for your weekly office flower arrangement, holiday party, wedding or special event, look no further. Clover and Branch is an exciting business headed by owner and designer Carrie Skelton. Carrie is a visionary when it comes to design. Her floral arrangements are always vibrant, unique and breathtaking. She just knows what flowers or succulents to use based on your needs and expectations of the event.

Every Friday the studio is open for "Farm Fresh Fridays", where she's at her studio from 9-5pm. She's located in the Fortini Building off of South Higuera  3021 South Higuera, San Luis Obispo, California  Come by and see her very contemporary studio as well as her fabulous jewelry line.
You can find Carrie on FaceBook for updates and weekly specials.

Contact Carrie for your next event where an artistic arrangement would simply set the mood.

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

Serra Meadows - Money Saving Green Features

Serra Meadows - Money Saving Green Features

I'm so proud to be sharing the green features of the Serra Meadows Development in San Luis. I'm very excited about them because they save you money every month on your utilities and these features come as no added cost to you as the buyer, all of it is included with the home. Also don't forget, I am an ecoBroker and have the knowledge to tell you about many of the Green benefits the project has to offer. Please lean on me with any questions about them.

Exterior Green Features
 -  Solar Panels, that will provide up to 3.43 kW of free energy
 -  Low-E Windows provide energy savings and insulate from direct sunlight
 -  Engineered lumber harvested sustainably
 -  Permeable Paving on driveways & walkways allows water to return back into the ground
 -  Drought Tolerant Landscaping is native to the area and needs less water
 -  Smart Irrigation Timer waters plants when they need it

Interior Green Features
 -  Tankless Water heater, Energy Start Rated gives you hot water on demand
 -  U.S. made cabinets, reduce the buildings carbon foot print
 -  Water saving fixtures in kitchen faucets and shower heads, reduce your water usage
 -  Fluorescent lighting throughout, uses less electricity overall
 -  Low-VOC Paint, creates a safe and healthier indoor air quality environment
 -  Low-VOC Carpeting and Flooring, reduce the amount of off gassing from most glues and binders
 -  Insulation in the walls from CertainTeed are made from renewable plant based materials
 -  Programable Thermostat provides comfort and energy savings


These are some of the many added benefits of buying a Serra Meadows Home. If you'd like to be updated with any new developments in the project, please subscribe to my newsletter and I will keep you posted. Put the Phrase "Serra Meadows" in the  How did you hear of me? section of the form.

I look forward to being your realtor in your next home purchase.

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

Serra Meadows is Back on Track!

Serra Meadows is Back on Track!

My last blog post about the New homes going up in San Luis Obispo called Serra Meadows, was May 2012. I'm happy to say after many months of wondering I can definitely say the project is happening. Many of you have been calling me asking about the status of the project. Some of the many reasons for the delay was the original builder MD2 was fired, the floor plans have been redone by a local architecture firm and new features have been added to the list of standard features that are very exciting.

I recently walked the site, located on Prado Rd., with my husband to see the layout of the project and walk into some of the homes under construction. The overall goal of the project is to create more of a classic neighborhood friendly feel. They have done that with large sidewalks and garages that are accessed to the rear of the home by an alleyway, better open floor plans that allow for rooms to flow together and accommodate the modern family and Roof top Solar Panels that are standard with every home purchase. These are just a few of the exciting features you can expect. I will blog next week about the additional Green features that come included in your Serra Meadows Home.

The project will include eight distinct home floor plans that are single and 2-story homes designs. Once you choose your favorite floor plan you have 3 unique home styles to choose from, the exterior design choices are based on what plan you like. The homes range from "The Rose", a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with 1,649 sq.ft to their largest home, "The Elm" a 4-bedroom 4.5-bath home at 2,569 sq.ft. With a wide range of choices you are sure to find the perfect home for you and your family.

Homes will be available to see very soon. let me know if you would like to preview any of the home styles. If you'd like to be updated with any new developments in the project, please subscribe to my newsletter and I will keep you posted. Put the Phrase "Serra Meadows" in the  How did you hear of me? section of the form.


I look forward to being your realtor in your next home purchase.

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

How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House?

How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House?

Home sellers on the central coast of California are curious on how much it costs to sell their house and what fees are associated with selling their house.  This will give you a good estimate on what to expect when you list your home for sale. The fees in selling your home are approximately 1%-3% of the sale price of the home to cover the closing cost fees, including title and escrow fees. 5-6% for Realtor Commissions and some small Additional Fees that would be  based on exactly when you close escrow.

The Escrow Fees covered are the following:
1. County Transfer Fees
2. Title Insurance
3. Half the Escrow Fee - (Typically it's a fee shared with the buyer)
4. Natural Hazard Disclosure Report - NHD
5. HOA Transfer Fees - (If you are in a Condo, PUD or Association)
6. 1-Year Home Warranty
7. Termite Inspection
8. Drawing of Deeds
9. Misc. Fees

Realtor Commission
Depending on the negotiated realtor commission you will be paying 5-6% of the purchase price. You as the seller typically pay all of this fee. Depending on the your state, these fees may vary. Don't skimp on these fees. Remember 1/2 the Realtor Commission goes to the buyers agent. A listing with low commission rates may give the buyers agent an impression you aren't easy to work with or the agent may not show your home to prospective buyers. Starting off on a good foot with the right impression is a winning strategy to start with.

Additional Fees to consider:
1. Property Taxes Owed
2. Mortgage Loan Balances
3. Interest Owed on Loans
4. HOA Dues Owed (If you are in a Condo, PUD or Association)
5. Costs for Repairs - Termite, Home Inspection results

If you are considering selling your home, ask your realtor to get you a Sellers Net Sheet from a Title & Escrow company. This sheet will give you actual costs associated with each of the itemized fees I have in this Blog.  Once you get the numbers together you will have a better understanding of what your bottom line will be. When you are ready to put your home on the Central Coast Market, give me a call to discuss getting a Net Sheet and starting the process. I'm here to help!

Please leave a comment if you feel this was helpful. Or share this with friends and family. I always appreciate your referral business.

"I'm Your Central Coast Listing Agent!" Traci Ferguson 805-235-6396 traci@traciferguson.com http://www.traciferguson.com License #01875751, ecoBroker #16082

Savvy Buyers are looking for High-Impact Homes For Sale!

Savvy Buyers are looking for High-Impact Homes For Sale!

Even in low-inventory markets like San Luis Obispo, today's buyers are looking for High-Impact amenities in homes.
Here's how can you catch the eye of savvy buyers with these additions to your home that are affordable and have maximum impact.

• Add USB outlets in areas of the home that don't typically have USB ports. Many people use their computer all over the house. Adding outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms are convenient will also appeal to the younger tech savvy buyer.

• Update wiring for a flat screen TV and internet on a wall of the living room. Most buyers have flat screens that will be mounted on the wall. Give them the ease of moving in without having to do this part themselves.

• Make a small kitchen look bigger by adding mirrors at the back splash area to bounce light and dimension. Or add some additional prep space by adding an island or island on wheels. You only need 30" in between the counter and an island. Having this option is always appealing to buyers.

• Replace door knobs and front door hardware to give the house a fresh and newer look. Choose a style that is in keeping with the style of your home and replace them. This fix can be done by you in under a couple of hours. It's money well spent!

I hope these suggestions were helpful and add to your ideas of how to get your home ready to sell with the highest impact.

Please leave a comment if you feel this was helpful. Or share this with friends and family. I always appreciate your referral business.

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

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