Real Estate stories from Central Valley area Merced and Atwater

As we move into the summer months inventory throughout Merced County remains low. It's a real challenge for first time homebuyers or any homebuyer that is looking to finance. As you can read in my buyer's alert the combination of low inventory to select from combined with an in-flux of cash buyers is making it a real challenge.

I have solutions that have been working for my buyers and sellers too that are looking for help in moving on with their lives but facing upside down conditions in their current homes (home worth less than what you can receive in today's market). Often homes can be sold without having to put a "For Sale" sign in front of the home. I recognize that losing a home hurts and the challenges we face in negotiating with the banks. Having gone through my own struggles with losing a home in Idaho plus helping others the past several years I understand the various situations you may be facing from divorce to loss of a job. 

We have buyers here at our brokerage (London Properties) that are actively looking to purchase homes and are encountering problems from multiple offers on the same property to cash offers instantly being accepted over their FHA or conventional offer.

The solution is to be proactive in searching and have a target marketing plan to bring the homes to you. When you're my client I market to the homes that you want to live in by price, by location and even by street. Let's go over the features you want to see in a home. The feedback has been amazing and through this marketing campaign I'm able to create new opportunities for my buyers. Saving time and frustration is very helpful. My clients are my focus!

I have solutions and work hard for you to get into the home you desire. In addition I provide full service marketing of homes to obtain the best price possible for those sellers looking to short sale or just move on to the next phase of their life. 

Contact me today to discuss your needs. 

As we move into the Spring months in Merced inventory remains low and houses are not lasting very long in this market. Many times I've been involved in multiple offers on homes that are priced well. When you face a highest and best offer situation on a home it's important to act quickly but to also be armed with the right information. I provide this information for all my clients.

Often homes I'm calling on that my clients would love to see have 3, 4 or more offers on them within the first few days. Clients calling me 10 days into a listing are missing their opportunity. It's why I've been telling everyone to take control over the inventory. Sign up here for automatic email which shows you the homes within hours of being listed. Using 3rd party sites may cause delays as often they don't update for a day or two. Plus often status changes aren't reported so it's important to save time and frustration by contacting your agent right way.

If your agent isn't calling you back or responding within a few hours consider using another agent that understands how important it is to get back with you quickly based on this market. Plus it's just a good way to do business. :)

In other news interest rates remain low but here's a few changes for FHA the up front mortgage insurance premium has increased from 1.0% to 1.75% and the annual mortgage insurance premium has increased from 1.15% to 1.25%. This may result in qualifying for less on a home so make sure you contact your lender to discuss.

I work with amazing local lenders that provide the same level of support. It's why I work with them and together we form a great team to help our clients throughout the process.

I expect home sales to increase as many people are using their tax refunds as down payments. If you're considering purchasing a home contact me anytime for guidance and solutions.

If you know of anyone looking to sell a home in the Merced or Atwater area I'm here to help in any condition whether they are facing foreclosure or just want to transition to a new home.

All the best,

Scott Messing

Buying a home, selling a home or know someone about to buy or sell their home? On this Valentine’s Day and for all of your real estate needs won’t you be my client?

Merced real estate is affordable and attractive to both first time buyers and to investors. With rates remaining low (often around 4%) first time buyers are finding great homes to call their own and paying often less than $800 per month for 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1400 plus square feet. It’s often less than rent and provides you with a true home to make your own and to take advantages of the tax incentives (consult with your certified public accountant for all details). For an overview of the buying and selling process click here. Remember the first step toward your home purchase is to be prepared. Contact a local lender to make sure you’re pre-approved with the right financing. Make sure you are aware of all the costs and what is needed to make the purchase happen.

Selling in today’s market but confused as to what’s going on? Merced has low inventory which means it’s a seller’s market. However, in some cases prices remain low due to the number of short sales and foreclosures impacting our market. I’ll prepare a free market analysis for you to show you how your home compares to others in your neighborhood. See market analysis options here. I work hard to successfully sell your home while keeping to your expectations.

I always say that it’s best to not waste time and to save you frustration and confusion. Setting your expectations is what I do best. Providing you with time lines, costs to consider, options, guidance and solutions is just part of my You’re The Focus Real Estate Service. If you have doubts, concerns or questions contact me. I love helping people and will provide you with the service you deserve that goes beyond simply finding or selling your home. I want to be your real estate and all things related concierge!

Happy Valentine’s Day and remember when it comes to helping you find or sell a home I’m Not Messing Around!

One challenge in today's Merced/Atwater real estate market is to find a home that you love, that is priced well and hopefully with no surprises which can cause frustration and sometimes anger.

You're The Focus real estate service is all about setting expectations for my clients. Lately I've heard stories from clients that are coming to me after experiencing less than stellar service. They say that that if they only knew X, Y or Z beforehand or if certain things were explained to them in advance that things would have run smoother. They would have been happier if their agent set and managed their expectations. Luckily that is the case with my services.

Reviewing, setting and running through the various scenarios is just one part to the services provided. Sure there's bound to be firsts in real estate, issues that are not accounted for initially and cause delays or even a home to fall out of escrow. However, if you know what you might encounter along each step of the process it provides you with preparation and the emotional armor as we move to handle the issues that do come up.

In interviewing agents make sure they know the following:

1. The local market and the conditions impacting the market
2. Understanding the types of listings out there from standard owner sales, to investor flip properties, short sales and foreclosures
3. How to write offers, counter offers, contingencies in the contracts
4. Asking the right questions on the properties so that you're not wasting your time in making offers that won't work
5. Turnaround times: the what to expect especially with short sales, the how it will work, the deadlines involved and what may happen if you or they miss a deadline
6. Property history and comparables
7. Your goals as the client
8. Issues related to title, escrow, inspections, appraisals

There's way more to working with clients than just finding them a great home or selling their current home. Knowledge is key and understanding how to set expectations while providing you with excellent service is everything!

Thinking of buying or selling talk with me and watch me go to work for you. See the You're The Focus pledge here.

Take control of the Merced/Atwater home inventory today. Map out, print, email, save the homes you want to see. View homes the same day they are listed here.