5 Criteria For Pricing A Home (Plus More)

When you put your home up for sale, one of the best ways to determine the asking price is to look at comparable sales. Unless your home is in a tract where few house modifications have been made, there’s rarely a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, so a pricing decision often relies on comparisons to several recent sales in the area. Here are five criteria to look for in a sales comparison.

1. Location: Homes in the same neighborhood typically follow the same market trends. Comparing your home to another in the same neighborhood is a good start, but comparing it to homes on the same street or block is even better. Appraisers usually use distance, i.e., up to one mile, as one of the selection bases for comparable homes, however a very similar home on your block will be included for value consideration over a very similar home a half-mile away.
   

2. Date of sale: It varies by location, but housing markets can see a ton of fluctuation in a short time period. It‘s best to use the most recent sales data available. Depending on other factors, home sales from the previous 6 months, and if there are many, the previous 30-90 days, will be selected for comparison.
   

3. Home build: Look for homes with similar architectural styles, numbers of bathrooms and bedrooms, square footage, and other basics. If your home is in a 1920s Spanish bungalow historic district, it's not likely that a 1962 contemporary style home will be selected even if it is not far away.  And, a condo is rarely ever considered a comparable for a single family home.
   

4. Features and upgrades: Remodeled bathrooms and kitchens can raise a home’s price, and so can less flashy upgrades like a new roof or HVAC system. Be sure to look for similar bells and whistles. However, a remodeled kitchen does not automatically raise the price of a house using the cost of the remodel.  Since remodeled kitchens and bathrooms are more common in the market, they will be a more standard basis for comparison. 
   

5. Sale types: Homes that are sold as short sales or foreclosures are often in distress or sold at a lower price than they’d receive from a more typical sale. These homes are not as useful for comparisons.  Some lenders when requesting an appraisal will not want to use a distressed property as a comparison for a standard sale, however, if a distressed sale property otherwise compares to your home, and it sold for market value, it may be accepted in the appraisal.

Other factors such as square footage:  Unless it is a very down market with very few sales and the appraiser must make adjustment calculations, a 2000 square foot house that is 4 bedrooms will not ordinarily be used as a comparison for a 900 square foot home with 2 bedrooms--it would simply fall outside the usual comparison parameters.  In that case, an appraiser is more likely to widen the search area to find a more similar property in a similar area.

An appraisal is an opinion of value by the appraiser, and sometimes one of the parties disagrees with it, in which case a buyer may request another one by a different appraiser (and probably have to pay the price for it as well).  Listing agents will usually meet the appraiser at the property and hand them comparables they believe justify the contract price.  When I've done this, most appraisers will review those properties especially when the agent is extremely familiar with the nearby sales.

Getting the right list and sell price is important for a smooth transaction, and these are the more common issues agents need to take into consideration when presenting market information so that a seller gets the proper perspective on pricing their home.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

For Sale in Long Beach in El Dorado Park Estates

El Dorado Park Estates home

Just reduced, great opportunity in desirable area of Long Beach, CA. 

Would be great for a buyer who needs a downstairs bedroom, a pool, and a remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets and granite countertops.  Sliding door from living room to pool area, formal dining room plus large eating area next to kitchen.  Central air and heat, great for the warm weather days. 

Direct access from the two car garage. Home has a total of 5 bedrooms, 3 baths. There are only two other houses on the market besides this one that have 5 bedrooms, not common!  Near El Dorado Park, the Long Beach Animal Shelter, close to Rossmoor shopping center. Near Newcomb Academy in Long Beach.
Price is now $919,900.00.  To see this property, contact me, easy to show.



Listing Broker El Dorado Realty SoCal.

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | www.juliahuntsman.com | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Signal Hill View Home, Promontory Crest

 Beautiful luxury home in Signal Hill offers panoramic views in Promontory Crest, offered at $1,148,000.
This exceptional two-story home offers three bedrooms PLUS a large office, beautiful kitchen, dining area.  Maple hardwood floors, granite in the kitchen, plantation shutters, and wired sound are just some of the extras in this home.
The views are extraordinary and the location is ideal in one of Signal Hill's nicest developments.
Promontory Crest offers its members a pool, spa, barbecue, outdoor cooking area, playground, and hiking trails.

Open house this weekend on Sunday April 29th, please contact me for more information, easy access through HOA's gated entry.
Lic #01188996

 See more at http://www.juliahuntsman.com/open-houses.html






Listing Broker:  Time Realty

Beautiful Sea Ridge Home in Signal Hill - Fantastic Views!

This desirable highly sought-after home is still on the market at $1,248,000.

It is located in the beautiful Signal Hill development of Skyline Estates. Situated on a unique promontory in the highly coveted “Sea Ridge” with sweeping and explosive views from Palos Verdes to the Pacific Ocean to Newport Beach. The views from this home are unparalleled. The three-level floor plan features a formal dining room, formal living room, spectacular ‘Chef’s’ kitchen with GE Monogram appliances, double ovens, center island and breakfast bar that opens up into the family room with expansive windows offering impressive views of downtown Long Beach. 

View towards San Pedro

Three bedrooms are located on the first floor with one being a second master en-suite. The spacious master retreat features lounge, massive walk-in closet. master bath with dual vanities and spectacular tub featuring city views. Wonderful backyard with fireplace and BBQ is perfect for entertaining year round.

Excellent location close to the community walking trails, and pool. Just minutes to Belmont Shore, Downtown Long Beach and freeway access.
Association dues include community pool and paved road.
Information per MLS#PW16136930 on 8/29/2016.
Lic# 01188996
NOTE:  OFF MARKET

View of downtown Long Beach

See the video and/or find out more about this home, please contact me at 562-896-2609.






Listing posted by permission of listing agent Boardwalk Properties.

REDUCED. Extensively Remodeled 1923 Cape Cod Style Home in Belmont Heights ...

Now priced at $999,789. October 28 2015.
Remodeled, but with its original character. This is the home for you, just 12 lots from 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, shops and fun. This 1923 Cape Cod is in prime Belmont Heights on a northwest corner lot which offers morning, afternoon and evening light/sun. This home has all the character and charm that anyone could ever want, and can easily be used as a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home.

The 3rd floor works beautifully as a large master with 3/4 bath, or guest suite, with expansive ocean/water views. As you enter the living room you will see the original hard wood floors with dark wood inlays, a Batchelder tile fireplace, and custom crown molding and plantation shutters covering the double paned windows. The large formal dining room has original inlays as well as original corner builtins. The kitchen also has a cozy fireplace,  granite counters and tons of storage. The 2nd floor offers 3 bedrooms, including an office with builtins, plus a large bath. The large master on the 2nd floor has dual closets and a features a sitting area. This home offers central heat updated electrical, copper plumbing, central heat. Also featured is a subterranean 15x140 garage so no land is wasted on driveway and garage.
Asking $1,099,999.  Click on link for more photos and floor plan.
http://www.planomatic.com/mls41382

For more information on availability of this property, please contact me soon! 562-896-260, Lic. #01188996

Note:  This listing is off market.

New Listing: Downtown Long Beach Condo in The Sovereign.

 Here is a vintage one-bedroom/one-bath corner unit in downtown Long Beach, in the vintage 1920's building, The Sovereign.

This is a fifth floor corner unit, not on the market for several years. This is a lovely and interesting building from an earlier era in Long Beach--it has a beautiful lobby and a top floor atrium with ocean views.

Priced under $130,000, with HOA dues of about $301/month.  Occupant must find their own parking, but their are nearby reasonably priced options.  This is ideal for an investor buyer, please call for more information.


For more information, see this link:

http://mrmlsmatrix.com/Matrix/Listings/ZHUNTJUL246/MyResiListings.mls

Julia Huntsman
REALTOR/Broker
#01188996
562-896-2609

NOTE:  Property is sold.

Looking for a Home Plus Guest Quarters Under $350,000? It's Here!

This upgraded and remodeled single family home the Circle Area of Long Beach has a lot of advantages for a new homebuyer because there's so little work to do! 

Who wouldn't want the upgraded bathroom, and the new kitchen with granite counters and recessed lighting, complete with the cooktop range with downdraft feature? Hardwood floors, dual-paned windows and a roof (2005) in geat condition help a new buyer get settled quickly. 

Verizon FiOS is already installed for state-of-the-art connections.

The nicely landscaped yard is completely enclosed, and patio areas are paved with Saltillo tiles. The side yard is good for play area or a dog run.  And, though it's not permitted, there are additional guest quarters of approximately 175 sq. ft. with bathroom which makes a great office space or a third bedroom also!

Two-car garage with laundry hookups. For current listing price for 3100 Spaulding St.,  See listing here..

Please call me for more info!  Julia Huntsman, Broker, Lic #1188996

Note:  This listing is off market.

Lakewood Home - Reduced to $359900!!

Reduced to $359,900! Can be used in conjunction with FHA Rehabilitation Loan Program--Buyer may choose from a menu of options for repairs. Call me about this property today!! Less than one-half block from Lakewood High School, walk to nearby shopping on Woodruff Ave.  Very residential area. It needs some help but is a great opportunity for the right buyer. Has two-car attached garage, solar panels on roof, nice hardwood floors in the interior, large master suite, family room. Call! 
Julia Huntsman, Broker
Lic 01188996

UPDATE: this property is now sold.

New Listing: 2 Bedroom Condo in Emerald Villas in Downtown Long Beach

This is a well-situated condominium in the gated Emerald Villas, a 1991 complex with resort-like surroundings.  This light and spacious-feeling 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit features indoor laundry, including the stackable washer/dryer, a cozy fireplace in the living room and a city lights view towards the east. Both bedrooms are carpeted, and the hall area provides extra counter space and cabinets for work area and storage. There's plenty of closet space in each bedroom.

Parking is in a secure, gated garage for two side-by-side spaces. The central courtyard in the common area has a beautiful pool and spa, and the fountain and the well-planted entry area are a gracious introduction to this beautiful complex. The HOA also features a BBQ area, sun deck and exercise room, and is within short walking distance to a nearby school and park, and is very convenient for freeway access. More information on this unit listed at $189,000 at 555 Maine Ave., #208, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Julia Huntsman, Broker
Lic 01188996

NOTE: off market 9/7/2011

New Listing: Lakewood Single Family Home $379,900

A cute vintage 1942 home, ready for a buyer in Lakewood. It has a master suite with higher ceilings, and a large family room with a rock-faced fireplace. One bedroom could work well as an office or library, and there's room in the backyard for the spa and playspace. An attached 2-car garage has a door into the family room, and the huge tree in the front yard provides plenty of shade for this west-facing home.
While it needs some work, it has plenty of charm in this circular floor plan. Hardwood floors in the formal dining area, living and front bedrooms. Very well-priced for the area and the size, at $379,900.
Please see more at http://www.juliahuntsman.com/featured-listings.html.
2/25:  Now $365,900!!

Julia Huntsman, Broker
Lic 01188996



Long Beach Buying Opportunities Under $300,000

Wow --- in a check on today's MLS, there are 360 listings under $300,000: single family, own-your-owns, condos and coops. Some of them are previous foreclosures and are now bank-owned properties, although if you look online, you won't see that in the property description. Some are currently in pre-foreclosure with sellers hoping to sell very soon at a price acceptable to their bank.

Here are some location examples of lower-priced properties in Long Beach which include the Lafayette, Cooper Arms, the Willmore, a newer building above Belmont Heights, and a small house (great for an investor) in upper Belmont Heights:

For more information on these properties, inlcuding rental estimates, or a financial scenario for buying, please contact me. For a property search, go to http://www.juliahuntsman.com.
Julia Huntsman, Broker
Lic 01188996

Long Beach long beach real estate 'Voice this!

Greenbrook in Costa Mesa

This Costa Mesa home in the Greenbrook tract is typical of the 1950's and 1970's ranch style houses favored by those who love open floor plans. Built by Larwin, the Greenbrook homes are located in Costa Mesa, Cypress and Fountain Valley--there's even a Greenbrook by Larwin tract at Long Island, New York where California ranch homes were popular for a while. This is the era of the cathedral ceilings and open kitchens adjacent to the family room. This model features 4 bedrooms/2 baths on a single story level, ample room at approximately 2100 sq. ft. Patio and private rear yard are attractive and neatly landscaped. Family room and the formal dining area make this home an entertainer's delight as well. This home is in an interior location of this quiet tract, yet very close and convenient to South Coast Plaza shopping and the 405 Freeway. It's ideal for less time spent commuting for daily needs. For more information, contact me, or go to my website's property search to find other homes in Costa Mesa.
Julia Huntsman, Broker
01188996


Long Beach costa mesa orange-county