Real Estate Blog

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.

Three Common House-Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

Looking for the perfect home is an exciting experience, but it can also become overwhelming and exhausting if you don’t know what you’re doing. If this is your first time searching for a home, you could make huge mistakes that could cause a major setback with your goals. How can you take the pressure off your shoulders when you’re house shopping? House-hunting is a significant task that requires you to follow the right steps. Let’s read along to discover three common mistakes that most first-time home buyers make.

House Costs

Will your home cause a drain on your finances? You can make the crucial mistake of choosing a house that is beyond your budget. There is a possibility that you can fall in love with a house that is too expensive. You may think that you can afford the house price but end up paying too much money that you were not expecting. For example, you might not anticipate closing costs, maintenance, repairs, utilities, property taxes, and other hidden costs. You should be aware of all the costs that you’ll have to deal with to decide if you’re making the right decision to become a homeowner.

Not Being Specific

You should have an idea of the type of property that you’re searching for. One simple way of doing this is to make a list of the essential features you need. Some of these may consist of the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen layout, the size of the house, heating and cooling systems, and more. A successful house sale requires you to have an understanding of your priorities, which helps you to make a good house-buying decision.

Refusing Professional Help

You might think that you don’t need help from a professional realtor, especially if you’re already familiar with a neighborhood. You might also refuse professional help because you’re in the habit of making important decisions. However, this is a common thinking process that could cause you to make critical house-hunting mistakes.

By working with a realtor, you might get a better price for a home, which is a huge benefit that helps you get the most from your budget. Realtors are also more knowledgeable about the particular home that you’re looking to buy and help you to save time with your house-buying process. A professional realtor knows the real estate market, deals with complicated transactions, and is dedicated to helping you find a great home.

Learn How You Can Find Your Dream Home Today

One of the most major decisions that you can ever make in your life is buying a home. Your property search begins with finding the most reputable realtor that you can trust and minimizing a stressful house-hunting process. A full-time realtor in Santa Clarita is always committed to helping you find a great home for you and your family. With our 25 years in the industry, you’re guaranteed that you’re in safe hands. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help you to obtain a successful house sale.

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.

Santa Clarita Is The Perfect Place To Spend Your Retirement

California has famous, bustling cities full of exciting opportunities, but when you are looking to retire in the Golden State, you may dream of a more straightforward way of life. Fortunately, you can have the best of both worlds in Santa Clarita, California, in retirement. 

 

Located close to Los Angeles, Santa Clarita is ideally situated in some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Pacific coastline. Not only is Santa Clarita a picture of small-town life, but it is also a thriving city with all the amenities you need while retired. Santa Clarita boasts renowned shopping, entertainment, health care options, and plenty of space to relax and unwind while being a charming place to live. Let’s look at what makes Santa Clarita the perfect place to spend your retirement years. 

 

Stay Active In The Great Outdoors In Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita offers retirees the perfect setting for staying active and involved in activities of many kinds. The city’s expansive parks provide the space to enjoy the fresh air in the great outdoors. Many area parks have trails for walking or cycling for various exercise capabilities. With so many local trails and paths, you will have plenty of space to roam. 

 

Join Social Groups With Ease

Often, retirees seek to establish new friends and social activities in their areas of interest. Santa Clarita is a welcoming city with endless options for getting involved in social groups of interest. The area boasts a thriving local arts and crafts scene and hosts many events throughout the year that offer a variety of activities. From active neighborhoods and communities, bustling main street fare, and senior center classes, you’ll find just the right mix of social opportunities to enjoy in Santa Clarita. 

 

Fun For Families To Visit

Santa Clarita is full of fun activities for families, which makes it an excellent place for grandkids and other children to visit. If you are looking forward to spending quality time in retirement with your family, Santa Clarita offers the best in family entertainment. Six Flags Magic Mountain and the Santa Clarita Aquatics Center draw many families to the area. Santa Clarita also hosts family-oriented festivals that will help you make memories with the ones you love most. 

 

Find Your Dream Retirement Home In Santa Clarita

Santa Clarita has many different neighborhoods and communities that each offer unique opportunities to enjoy retirement your way. To find your dream retirement home in Santa Clarita, consult an experienced Santa Clarita realtor who can help you make your dream a reality.

 

Important Steps to Take Before Investing in Santa Clarita Real Estate

Have you been thinking about investing in Santa Clarita real estate? If so, you know how important it is to get your finances in order before searching for properties or scheduling appointments. After all, doing this will help you save quite a few headaches in the long run. 

Making a real estate investment may be one of the biggest investments you ever make, and unless you have money ready for this investment, you’ll need to create a plan to finance the purchase and ensure ongoing cash flow. Before getting in touch with a Santa Clarita real estate agent, there are a few other things you should do. 

Create a Plan for Financing the Investment 

Traditional financing may be the best option for your initial investment if you have a significant down payment, consistent W-2 income, and a strong credit score. That’s because interest rates are usually low, and the terms on these loans are typically attractive. 

It’s important to determine what you can afford based on your expenses and the amount of cash you need to handle upgrades and renovations. Be sure you know where the liquid funds are coming from, increasing the likelihood of getting a good deal. Remember, it’s possible to move much faster when you have cash, which motivates property sellers in Santa Clarita. 

Review Your Credit Report and Keep It Positive 

It’s a good idea to request a copy of your credit report and dispute any errors. You should also explain negative issues or any late payments. Keep your score from falling by avoiding lowering your limits, canceling accounts, or requesting new credit inquiries. 

Seek Mortgage Pre-Approval

Being pre-approved for a mortgage will help you with the real estate investment you want to make. Doing this is going to help lock in an interest rate. If the rates fluctuate while you work with a real estate agent to find the perfect investment property, your rate won’t change. 

Do Your Homework to Remain Competitive

Just because you have been approved for financing doesn’t mean you are ready to begin shopping. Take some time to shop around and get in touch with other lenders to see if they can offer you a lower interest rate. While just a few percentage points may not seem like that big of a deal, it can help you save tens of thousands of dollars during the lifetime of your loan. It can also help improve your monthly cash flow. 

Work with an Experienced and Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

When you are ready to invest in real estate in Santa Clarita, it’s smart to work with a real estate agent who has experience in the area. This will ensure you find properties that meet your needs and budget. They can also offer more insight into the local properties to ensure you get exactly what you are searching for.

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.