Not Just Bedrooms and Bathrooms

When it comes time to value a property, what you hear depends, to some extent, on who you’re talking to.

 

That’s true in a lot of different contexts, too. Maybe you are actually looking to sell a home, or maybe you’re just curious about something that you saw on Zillow. Maybe you’re bringing it up just as a matter of basic economics, or maybe you have your eye on a particular property…

 

In either case, you might hear some of the sloppier logic around home pricing, depending on who you are around.

 

The Basics

 

Have you ever asked somebody about the value of a property and had them say that it’s mostly down to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms?

 

Well, that may have been more true in past markets or certain suburban or rural markets where there are not a lot of other value criteria.

 

But it’s not the whole picture when it comes to specific high-end properties, and that includes the beautiful homes and the vibrant neighborhoods that we sell in the Santa Clarita valley.

 

Other Factors

 

Aside from just bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage, many of these properties are valued according to their overall environment.

 

For a visual idea of how this works, just click on the website and check out some of these high-profile properties. You’ll see that they sell partly based on a unique ambiance, a set of characteristics that goes beyond utility.

 

You don’t just buy for the school district, either. You buy for the location and the curb appeal of the home. You buy for your proximity to other high-end properties. You buy, of course, according to a lot size and the type of lot that it is – whether it’s a smooth, broad expanse or a series of slopes and grades.

 

This is just some of the additional thought that you have to put into a comparative valuation here in the Santa Clarita Valley or in many other local markets. Doing this means knowing an area well – and understanding the complex factors that come into play.

 

Technology Tools

 

Having said that, you can skip a lot of the guesswork and send your property address to the Marcel Cuschieri Group to get an expert evaluation that’s based on real criteria and complex analysis.

 

Or you can click the other button and submit a form, so we can talk about your real estate search!

 

The Marcel Cuschieri group has been extremely instrumental in helping people find their dream homes in Santa Clarita and surrounding areas. Don’t leave anything to chance! 

Go with the pros, and you’ll find yourself much closer to “California dreamin’” and your dream home. We’ll treat you well and help you to navigate this market – well, like a pro.

 

 

 

Effective Ways To Prepare For An Open House

Selling a home with the help of a realtor in Sand Canyon, CA, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, ensuring that your property is prepared for sale is also important. Hosting an open house is one of the most effective ways to get your home ready for sale.

 

An open house allows potential buyers to view your property in person and better understand what they are buying. Studies show that homes shown in open houses sell for around $10,000 more.

 

If you want to have a successful open house, here are some things you need to do.

Clean The Interior of Your Home

When preparing for an open house, you must clean the interior of your house from top to bottom. This means thoroughly dusting and vacuuming every room, scrubbing floors and walls, and dusting window sills and baseboards. Not only will this make the home look more appealing to potential buyers, it will also help to make their visit more pleasant.

Declutter and Stage Your Home

Once you thoroughly clean your house, you should begin decluttering and staging your home. This means removing any personal items, such as family photos or knick-knacks that may turn off potential buyers. Additionally, you should organize your furniture and arrange it in an aesthetically pleasing manner to show off the best features of each room.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

When hosting an open house, it is important to create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Make sure the home is well-lit with natural or artificial lighting, ensuring that each room looks inviting and open. You should also make sure the temperature inside is comfortable, so visitors feel at ease.

Make Sure to Set Up Proper Lighting

Proper lighting is essential when hosting an open house, as it can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Natural light works best, but you can also use lamps to create a cozy atmosphere. Make sure to turn on all the lights when visitors come in and consider adding some candles for ambiance.

Handle Visitors During The Event

When hosting an open house, it is important to remember that potential buyers are coming into your home intending to purchase it. Therefore, you should make sure to handle visitors with respect and courtesy. Make sure to greet each visitor; you can even provide them with a home tour if requested.

Make Necessary Repairs and Updates

One of the most important aspects of preparing for an open house is making sure any necessary repairs or updates are taken care of before the event. This could include fixing broken fixtures, updating outdated appliances, and repairing damaged drywall. Taking care of these tasks before the open house can help you attract the attention of motivated buyers.

Need Help Selling Your Home?

Instead of trying to list and sell a home alone, you need to let the Marcel Cuschieri Group assist you. We will work hard to help you sell your home quickly.

 

 

Three Types Of Santa Clarita Homes

What do you get on the local market in Santa Clarita when you’re looking for your next dream home?

Today, let’s talk about a few different sorts of options that you have when you’re shopping this local market.

First of all, Santa Clarita and Castaic are classy places to live. You’re going to look at a lot of fashionable high-end properties with nicely maintained roofing and exteriors.

You’re going to find a lot of move-in ready properties that are very impressive at a showing.

But beyond that, here’s what you may be looking for in the local area.

Smaller Footprints

Some buyers are looking for homes on the lower end of the market that have a smaller footprint, let’s say 1500 square feet. Here, you’re often going to see homes anywhere between, say, $500,000 to $750,000.

You may or may not have two bathrooms, and more than two bedrooms, but for two people, a smaller house like this will fit the bill.

Moderately Sized Homes

When you get toward your 2800-3000 square feet, the price tag often moves toward the million dollar mark.

You’re probably going to have higher numbers of bedrooms, and more capacity for a larger family. This is perfect for a family that’s growing, or for people who want to be able to host a higher number of guests from time to time.

The Ranch

Then you have your much larger properties that command higher real estate prices.

One of these ranch-style properties situated in Santa Clarita or Castaic or local areas around the San Fernando Valley will often have dozens of acres and a larger home footprint, perhaps above 3000 square feet. 

They may also have fancy appurtenances, too, to demarcate property lines and other kinds of big amenities.

These are going to often push toward $4 million to $5 million in price.

It’s important to think about which category represents your home search in order to figure out financing and everything else. Unless you’re paying cash for one of these properties, you want to be able to comfortably handle the monthly mortgage payment. You’ll also want to think about where you’re commuting to, for example, Burbank or other parts of the upper Los Angeles area.

Regardless of your needs, Santa Clarita is a great local market. Nestled among green spaces, it has good access to the San Fernando Valley and everything else nearby including Hollywood and other iconic Los Angeles communities.

All of those are reasons to go with Marcel Cuschieri Group for excellent assistance with your real estate search. We are knowledgeable about the Santa Clarita area, and able to get you further toward your next dream home. Ask us about what the local market looks like right now, and how you can use that to your advantage in home shopping. 

 

How to Determine if a House Is Right for You

When you purchase a house, you are making a long-term financial commitment. Not only that, but you must deal with the ongoing maintenance and repairs a home requires. 

Because this is such a large and important purchase, it is important to ensure you find the right house for your needs. 

Finding the right house can be tricky. There are both emotional and practical issues to consider. An important element of finding the right house to buy is working with an experienced real estate agent. This can help you save time and frustration in the long run. 

Here are some things to consider when searching for the right house to buy

Determine Where You Want to Live

When you start looking for your “perfect” home, location is one of the most important factors. While you may find a great house, you will probably regret the purchase at some point if it is not where you want to live. 

Before you start looking at houses, determine where you want to live. This will ensure that you are happy with the location. 

Create a “Must-Have” List

It is smart to make a list of items that are must-haves. These are your non-negotiable items like being in the right school district, located close to your work, or having a specific number of bedrooms. Create a wish list, and then try to match your needs and wants with your budget and what is currently available in the housing market. 

When you create your list, be sure to think about your lifestyle. For example, do you need a house that has a large outdoor space? Are you going to spend much time in the kitchen or entertaining guests? While getting everything you want may not be possible, having a list will help your real estate agent find houses that align with your search. 

Narrow Down Your Search

You can begin your home search online, which will let you see all the available homes in the area. Once you have done this, you can begin narrowing the search to the homes you are truly interested in. This will help you avoid having to visit each one and tour it. 

Look at Old versus New Homes

Do you prefer an older home with character and style or a new one with a modern feel? You will find there are pros and cons to each of these, and you need to determine what is best suited for you. 

If you choose an older home, you will probably have to spend more on updates and renovations. However, newer homes may come at a higher initial price point. You have to determine what best suits your needs. 

Buying the Right Home for You 

As you can see, there are more than a few factors to consider when you are ready to purchase a home. Keep the information here in mind, which will help you find the home that best suits your needs. Working with a professional realtor will also help with this.

Million-Dollar Homes in Santa Clarita

When you’re shopping in the iconic California community of Santa Clarita, you’re shopping in a market that has relatively high price tags. It also has a lot of appeal, and you’ll see it heat up over and over again!

 

People move here from all around the country. They come from big cities and small towns. They might come from as far away as the eastern seaboard, or from small communities in the Midwest. In some of these places, homes start at around $150,000.

 

In and around Santa Clarita, this is not the case. This upscale community has homes that hold their value at much higher prices.

 

Proximity to Greater Los Angeles

 

Part of the appeal of Santa Clarita and nearby Castaic is the short distance that you have to travel to get to places like Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley area.

 

While these smaller communities are nestled in natural areas, they are only a stone’s throw from places like Sherman Oaks and Ventura.

 

With such good proximity to all of the iconic Los Angeles urban areas that they are near, these communities are unique ways to have your cake and eat it too – to enjoy being close to the city, but also have the unique vistas and natural landscapes of less populated areas.

 

That’s just one part of what people enjoy about buying in this local market. We know all about the draw that these neighborhoods exercise on shoppers, and we can introduce you to Santa Clarita and its environs from a position of inside knowledge and real estate acumen. 

 

Big Houses

 

Many of our listings are for houses starting around $1 million.

 

Whether the address is Castaic or Santa Clarita or other nearby municipalities, you’ll see these homes on the market for something like $900,000 or above.

 

Many of these homes are over 2500 square feet in size. Some of them range even higher. You also want to make sure to look at things like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to see what suits your needs.

 

Basically, you can’t go wrong with high-end real estate around Castaic and Santa Clarita. With attractions like Six Flags (and its numerous adjacent parks), the local area is vibrant, and this is a great place to settle if you are relocating to Southern California.

 

You’re also in good hands with the Marcel Cuschieri Group, and with a realtor that knows Santa Clarita quite well. With our long history of experience in the area, we can show you the inside scoop on properties and help you to make those choices that get you closer to your dream home. Get some data from our web site, and get connected to tour some of these beautiful properties! 

 

4 Things To Consider When Buying a Rental Property in Santa Clarita

The number of people renting homes and apartments in the United States has grown over the past few years. The rise in renters around the country has led to many individuals venturing into the world of real estate investing. With the right real estate investment, a person can create a reliable form of passive income. 

Over 71 percent of the rental properties in the United States are owned by individuals. If you want to add a rental property to your investment portfolio, then finding the right home in the Santa Clarita area to purchase is imperative. Before you buy a rental property in Santa Clarita, you need to consider some of the following things. 

1. Enlisting the Help of Professionals

There are so many properties for sale in and around the Santa Clarita area. Instead of trying to narrow down the extensive list of properties for sale alone, you need to realize the importance of working with a real estate agent. Ideally, you want to choose an agent that is familiar with Santa Clarita and the neighborhoods contained within this area. 

The Marcel Cuschieri Group is comprised of experienced real estate agents who are passionate about helping their clients. We have a vast number of listings and will narrow down these listings based on your needs. With our help, you can find a great rental property that is reasonably priced. 

2. Lock In Financing Before Searching For a Rental Property

Very rarely does an investor have cash in hand to buy a rental property. Generally, an investor will have to take out a loan from a bank to fund their purchase. Before you begin the search for a rental property to purchase, you need to get pre-approved for a loan. 

When preparing for the loan application process, you will need to review your credit score. The better your credit score is, the easier it will be to get approved for a low-interest loan. You also need to make sure your debt-to-income ratio is low. If this important metric is high, then you need to pay off a few loans and credit card balances before applying for a loan. 

3. Pay Attention During the Home Inspection

If you’re getting a loan to buy a rental property, then the bank will require a professional inspection of the property in question. During this inspection, you must pay close attention to the problems. If a home inspector finds several problems with the potential property purchase, you need to think twice about buying it. 

The last thing you want is to inherit a money pit, which is why reviewing the home inspection report is crucial. If the inspector finds minor cosmetic issues, you might be able to negotiate a better price with the seller. These smaller issues will be much easier to fix and shouldn’t be viewed as a dealbreaker. 

Are you ready to find a great property to invest in? If so, the Marcel Cuschieri Group is here to help.

Key Benefits of Owning a Home

The process of finding and buying a home can be difficult. First-time homebuyers are usually unaware of just how much their lives will change once they become the owners of a residential property. On average, first-time buyers are responsible for 34% of all home purchases annually. 

Before you start the process of buying a home, you need to get information about what makes a residential property a worthy investment. There is a reason why over 5 million Americans purchase a home every year and it is because owning a residential property comes with a plethora of benefits. The following are some key benefits that come with owning a home. 

A Great Investment

If one of your main goals is to build wealth, then you can’t deny the importance of owning real estate. When compared to other possessions like a car, homes are far more capable of retaining their value. Generally, a home will increase in value if it is properly maintained and located in a desirable neighborhood. There are also a number of ways you can add value to a home. 

Some of the most effective ways to increase the value of your home include:

  • Modernizing your kitchen
  • Investing in energy-efficient upgrades (i.e., new windows, better insulation, upgraded appliances)
  • Install new flooring
  • Have an in-ground pool installed
  • Professional landscaping

Not only can the upgrades mentioned above help you add value to your home, some of them can also boost curb appeals level. If you want to maximize the value offered by these projects, then allowing professionals to handle the work involved is imperative. 

The Opportunity to Acquire Equity

One of the main things you need to make your dream of owning a home a reality is a mortgage loan. Very few first-time buyers will have enough cash sitting in the bank to completely fund this purchase. With a bit of research, you should have no problem securing a low-interest mortgage loan. Every time you make a monthly payment, only a portion will go towards the principal balance on your loan. 

The term equity is used to describe how much of the principal balance has been paid on a mortgage loan. You need to view the portion of your payment that goes towards the principal as money in the bank. The more equity you acquire, the easier it will be to get large loans for things like home improvements or even investment properties. 

The Freedom Associated With Owning a Home

Not all of the benefits associated with owning a home are tied to money. Perhaps the biggest benefit of owning a home is the freedom it provides you. If you’re renting a home, you will be severely limited regarding the changes you can make to your surroundings. However, if you own the home you live in, there is no limit to the changes you can make. This means you can alter your surroundings to fit your changing tastes. 

Now that you know about the advantages of owning a home, it is time to find the right property to purchase in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Santa Clarita Lifestyle Entices New Residents

If you are considering moving to Santa Clarita, you’re not alone. The 26th largest city in California, Santa Clarita, is ranked one of the best places to live in the state and one of the safest in the nation. The city’s population of over 177,641 is growing as many people are enticed by the many advantages the area offers. 

 

Located only 30 minutes from Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley is ripe with excellent public schools and booming with commerce. For many people, the city is an oasis where families and businesses thrive. From its abundance of natural spaces, bustling shopping centers, and the thrill of Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita Valley provides new residents the amenities and sense of community that make calling Santa Clarita home a pleasure. Let’s look at what you have to look forward to when moving to Santa Clarita. 

 

Abundance Of Natural Spaces

When you arrive in Santa Clarita, you’ll be greeted by an abundance of natural fauna and wildlife thriving on the area’s many nature preserves. Preserves like Placerita Canyon, Mentryville, and Ed Davis Park offer residents and visitors to the Santa Clarita Valley to enjoy many different outdoor activities. Not only are these nature preserves beautiful places to explore, but they are also rich in the valley’s pioneer and gold rush history.

 

Outstanding Public School System

Many families move to Santa Clarita so their children can take part in one of California’s top public school systems. Most of the public schools in the Santa Clarita Valley have received the state’s distinguished honor of the blue ribbon award, but one high school is listed in the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation. In addition to their rigorous academics, Santa Clarita schools are known for their robust athletic programs that have produced many professional athletes. 

 

Shop ‘Till You Drop In Santa Clarita

With an abundance of booming businesses, you can shop ’till you drop in Santa Clarita! The city’s Valencia Town Center bursts with designer and chain stores, and it’s only growing. Residents of Santa Clarita enjoy shopping and dining at the Town Center and the mall, which has over 150 stores. Suppose you can’t find the treasure you’re looking for at these primary shopping centers. In that case, you can stroll the downtown streets of Santa Clarita and peruse the many goods sold by local merchants and crafters or attend one or more of the community’s festivals and art fairs. Santa Clarita has something in store for any shopper!

 

Find Your Home In Santa Clarita

If you are considering a move to Santa Clarita, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the housing choices in the area. Contact a local realtor with extensive knowledge of Santa Clarita to find your home and become part of the Santa Clarita family!

 

Why Now Is The Time To Invest In Santa Clarita Rental Properties

After the last few tumultuous years, many people are looking for ways to get back on track, both personally and financially. With all of the different investments on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. If you don’t like the risk associated with things like buying stocks or cryptocurrencies, then finding an investment that has a track record of providing solid returns is crucial. 

Many financial analysts view real estate investments as fairly safe. Nearly 88% of all housing units are currently occupied in the United. This means that American consumers are willing to spend good money to rent or buy living spaces. Read below for more information on why now is a great time to invest in rental properties in the Santa Clarita area. 

Mortgage Interest Rates Are Very Low

Few investors have the capital needed to buy a rental property with cash. If you are like most real estate investors, you will need to secure a loan from a bank to make your purchase. The great news about securing a mortgage loan in 2022 is that interest rates are still very low. Currently, the average interest rate for a 15-year fixed mortgage is around 5.2 percent. 

By locking in a lower rate for your mortgage loan, you can pay more toward the principal. This means you can pay off this loan sooner. Before choosing a lender to help with your mortgage loan needs, check their reputation and the interest rates being offered. With a bit of research, you can find a lender that fits your needs. 

Increasing Rent Prices

Before pursuing an investment, most people want to know what type of return they can expect. Over the past few years, the rent prices in the United States have increased substantially. If you buy rental properties in highly desirable areas like Santa Clarita, you can charge top-dollar for them. 

If you are new to the Santa Clarita area, you might be unsure about which neighborhoods to buy rental homes in. Working with a real estate agent who is familiar with this area is the best way to ensure the right neighborhood is selected. 

Managing Rental Properties Is Easier Than Ever

Owning rental properties can be a lot of hard work. Some people mistakenly think that all of the work involved in managing rental properties will fall squarely on their shoulders. In reality, there are a number of things you can do to make managing these properties easier. 

Hiring an experienced property management company is crucial when trying to avoid problems with your rental investments. These companies can do things like screen potential tenants, collect rent payments and handle maintenance/repair issues. With their assistance, you can keep your rental properties profitable and pristine. 

Now that you know more about the benefits of investing in rental properties, it is time to take action. With the help of the team at Marcel Cuschieri Group, you can find highly desirable rental property investments.

Home Buying and Selling During the Pandemic: What You Need to Know

Resources to help you navigate the new real estate normal.

Technology and good-old-fashioned creativity are helping agents, buyers, and sellers abide by COVID-19 health and safety practices while getting deals done.

Some buyers are touring houses virtually. Others visit in person while remaining at least six feet from their agent. Sellers are hosting open houses on Facebook Live. Appraisers are doing drive-by valuations. Buyers are watching inspections via video call. Masked and gloved notaries are getting signatures on doorsteps.

“We have had to make some adjustments, for sure,” says Brian K. Henson, a REALTOR® with Atlanta Fine Homes / Sotheby’s International Realty in Alpharetta, Ga. “Everyone is trying to minimize face-to-face interactions. There have been some delays, but mostly, deals are getting done, just with tweaks.”

Here’s what home buying and selling during the pandemic looks like.

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