213 C Street, Turlock, Commercial; Offices, Metal Building

213 C Street, Turlock

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$825,000 – Turlock Offices & Metal Building. This exceptional 3600 square foot metal building in Turlock offers a rare combination of 1400sf of professional office space & versatile industrial functionality. The property features a well-appointed executive office suite complemented by multiple additional offices & a dedicated conference room, providing an ideal environment for businesses seeking both administrative sophistication & operational functionality.

Zoning: Industrial
Census Tract: 38.03
Total Units: 1
Lot Size Dimensions:
Appprox. 7013 sf
County Use Code:
Current Use: Light Manufacturing, Warehouse, Office
Total Parking Spaces: 4
# of Truck Doors: 2
County: Stanislaus
APN: 043-049-074-000
Stories: 2
Levels: 2
Mezzanine,Other
Property Subtype: Industrial
Bonds/Asmts/Taxes:
Business Type:
Professional Service, Other
Building Features: 12 to 18 Ft Ceilings, Conference
Room,Restroom(s)-Private
Public Remarks:
* May Be Truncated
Cross Street: 5th Street
Directions: Highway 99 to Lander Avenue-Northbound.  Right on C Street.  Left side. on the Corner of C Street and 3rd

SOLD – 19272 Bloss Ave, Hilmar

SOLD - 19272 Bloss Ave, Hilmar
SOLD – Stunning 3-Acre Ranchette Opportunity in Hilmar! Discover the perfect blend of rural tranquility and endless possibilities at 19272 Bloss Avenue, where this remarkable 3-acre property offers breathtaking views and an exceptional setting for your dream ranchette. This prime location features expansive acreage with spectacular panoramic views, a brand-new domestic well recently installed for reliable water access, and a cozy 700-square-foot home with 1 bedroom and 1 full bathroom that presents incredible potential as the perfect canvas for renovation. Whether you envision transforming the existing house into your perfect retreat or utilizing this ideal building site for your custom ranchette, this exceptional property provides the space and serenity you’ve been searching for, with generous acreage offering endless possibilities for gardens, livestock, or simply enjoying the wide-open spaces and peaceful country lifestyle.

 

539 4th St, Gustine, 2 houses, 4bds/2bths/7070sf

539 4th St, Gustine

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$325,000,  This Property fronts Highway 33, High Visibility location!! There are two Single Family Homes, each with 2 Bedrooms, and 1 full bath. Rental and/or Commercial Zoning Opportunity. The Property next door is also for sale.

Property Subtype: 2 Houses on Lot
County: Merced
APN: 020-074-011-000
Zoning: RES
Census Tract: 20.02
Lot SqFt (approx) / Source: 7070 / Assessor Auto-Fill
Lot Size Dimensions: Approx. 7000
Year Built/Source: 1942 / Assessor Auto-Fill
Construction Materials: Stucco, Wood
Foundation: Raised
School District (County): Merced
Middle or Junior School District: Gustine Unified
Elementary School District: Gustine Unified
Senior High School District: Gustine Unified
Garage Spaces: 1
Parking Features: Detached, Garage Facing Front
Senior Community: No
Stories: 1
Main Level: Bedroom(s), Dining Room, Family Room, Full Bath
(s), Kitchen
Bath Features: Tub w/Shower Over
Kitchen Features: Breakfast Area
Appliances: Free-Standing Electric Range
Laundry Features: Inside Area
Flooring: Linoleum
Interior Features:
Heating: Wall Furnace, Natural Gas
Cooling: Window Unit(s)
Energy Efficient: Green Building Verification
# of Fireplaces: (0)
Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water
Heater, Smoke Detector
Rents For: $500
Bedrooms: 2
Occupied: Yes
Full Baths: 1
Kitchen: Yes
Partial Baths: 0
Private Entrance:
Approx SqFt: 800
Type: Detached
SqFt Source: Owner
Description: Off the Alley

525 4th St, Gustine, 2bd/1bth

525 4th St, Gustine

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$125,000 – Gustine Opportunity!! This Property fronts Highway 33, High Visibility location!! This Single Family Home is 2 Bedroom/1 Full Bath Home.  It’s a fixer with potential for Home, Rental, and/or Commercial Zoning Opportunity. The Property Next door is also for sale.  This property is not
financeable, cash deal only due to the condition of the foundation.

Property Subtype: Single Family Residence
County: Merced
APN: 020-074-010-000
Zoning: Res
Census Tract: 20.02
Lot SqFt (approx) / Source: 3498  / Assessor Auto-Fill
Year Built/Source: 1907 / Assessor Auto-Fill
Subtype Description: Detached
Architectural Style:
Construction Materials: Other
Foundation: Raised
School District (County): Merced
Middle or Junior School District: Gustine Unified
Elementary School District: Gustine Unified
Senior High School District: Gustine Unified
Garage Spaces: 0
Parking Features: No Garage
Senior Community: No

Stories: 1

Main Level: Bedroom(s), Family Room, Kitchen

Living Room Features: Other
Dining Room Features: Formal Area

Bath Features: Tub w/Shower Over
Kitchen Features: Breakfast Area
Laundry Features: In the Kitchen
Flooring: Linoleum
Cooling: Other
Energy Efficient: Green Building Verification
Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water, Heater, Smoke Detector
Property Conditions: Original
Remodeled/Updated: (No)

333 N Palm St, Turlock, Triplex; 6bd/3.5bth/2883sf/7022sf

333 N Palm St, Turlock

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$850,000 – Triplex in Turlock. Discover an exceptional investment opportunity with this stunning custom-built triplex perfectly positioned on a desirable corner lot within walking distance of charming historic downtown Turlock. This thoughtfully designed property features a single freestanding two-bedroom, one-bathroom home alongside a separate townhouse duplex offering two spacious two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom units. Each residence enjoys its own private fenced outdoor area and a roomy one-car garage complete with washer and dryer hookups, plus convenient driveway parking. The beautifully maintained property showcases recent upgrades including a premium Presidential composition roof and fresh exterior paint, ensuring both curb appeal and long-term durability. Whether you’re an investor seeking strong rental income potential or looking to expand your real estate portfolio, this versatile triplex in the heart of Turlock presents an outstanding opportunity to own a turn-key property in one of the area’s most sought-after locations

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms: 6

Bathrooms

  • Total Bathrooms: 0
  • Full Bathrooms: 3
  • 1/2 Bathrooms: 2

Appliances

  • Free Standing Gas Range
  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal
  • Free Standing Electric Oven
  • Laundry Features: In Each Unit

Heating and Cooling

  • Heating Features: Central

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Laminate, Vinyl
  • Window Features: Dual Pane Full

 Exterior

Land Info

  • Lot Description: Corner
  • Lot Dimensions Source: Acres
  • Lot Size Acres: 0.1612029
  • Lot Size Dimensions: Approx. 7021
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Lot Size Square Feet: 7022

Garage and Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 3
  • Garage Description: Attached, Detached, Garage Door Opener
  • Parking Features: Attached, Detached, Garage, Garage Door Opener
  • Parking Total: 6

Home Features

  • View: City
  • Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water Heater, Smoke Detector

 Community

Homeowners Association

  • Association: No
  • Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0

Multi-Unit Info

  • Number Of Buildings: 2
  • Number Of Units: 3
  • Number Of 2 Bedroom Units: 3
  • Bedrooms In Unit-1: 2
  • Bedrooms In Unit-2: 2
  • Bedrooms In Unit-3: 2
  • Full Bathrooms In Unit-1: 1
  • Full Bathrooms In Unit-2: 1
  • Full Bathrooms In Unit-3: 1
  • Half Bathrooms In Unit-2: 1
  • Half Bathrooms In Unit-3: 1
  • Unit-1 Square Feet: 931
  • Unit-2 Square Feet: 976
  • Unit-3 Square Feet: 976
  • Unit 1 Total Actual Rent: 1750
  • Unit 2 Total Actual Rent: 1079
  • Unit 3 Total Actual Rent: 1500

School Information

  • Elementary School District: Turlock Unified
  • High School District: Turlock Unified
  • Middle Or Junior School District: Turlock Unified

Rental Info

  • Income Includes: Rent Only

 Listing

Other Property Info

  • City Region: Turlock
  • Source Listing Status: Active
  • County: Stanislaus
  • Cross Street: Wolfe Avenue
  • Directions: From Hwy 99-Take Fulkerth-East. Left On Golden State. Left On Olive. Left On N. Palm. This Porperty Is On Corner Of N. Palm St And Wolfe Ave. Single Story Home At 333 N. Palm St And Townhouse Duplex At 500 And 502 Wolfe Ave
  • Disclaimer: All Data, Photos, Visualizations, And Information Regarding A Property, Including The Property’S Compliance With State And Local Legal Requirements And All Measurements And Calculations Of Area, Have Been Obtained From Various Sources, And May Include Such Material That Has Been Generated By Use Of Artificial Intelligence. Such Information And Material Have Not Been And Will Not Be Verified For Accuracy By The Listing Broker Or The Multiple Listing Service, And Are Not Guaranteed As Complete, Ac
  • Source Property Type: Residential Income
  • Area: 20303
  • Source Neighborhood: 20303
  • Parcel Number: 061-029-014-000
  • Postal Code Plus 4: 4030
  • Zoning: RES
  • Property Subtype: Triplex
  • Source System Name: C 2 C

 Features

Building and Construction

  • Total Square Feet Living: 2883
  • Year Built: 1987
  • Construction Materials: Stucco, Frame, Wall Insulation
  • Foundation Details: Concrete
  • Levels: One, Two
  • Living Area Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Property Age: 38
  • Roof: Composition
  • Levels Or Stories: 2
  • Building Total Stories: 2
  • Structure Type: Townhouses, House(S)
  • House Style: Ranch
  • Year Built Source: Owner
  • Architectural Style: Ranch

Utilities

  • Sewer: Public Sewer
  • Sewer In & Connected
  • Natural Gas Connected
  • Water Source: Public

13614 Lancaster Rd, Oakdale, 3 bed/3 bath/2,429sf/4.54ac lot

13614 Lancaster Rd, Oakdale, 3 bed/3 bath/2,429sf/4.54ac lot

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$699,000, Marvelous Hilltop…Discover your private sanctuary with a stunning custom ranch-style home with breathtaking Sierra Nevada and valley views. This 2, 429 square foot residence plus 800 square foot den offers abundant living space with vaulted ceilings and open family areas. Three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and a remodeled kids’ bathroom provide comfortable accommodations. The versatile 24×64 barn offers storage or potential ADU conversion. Fully fenced with irrigated pastures, it’s perfect for horses and goats. Solar panels provide energy independence while a three-car garage and indoor laundry add convenience. Children enjoy the dedicated grass play area. The spectacular backyard patio showcases panoramic views stretching across the valley to majestic Sierra peaks. Mature oak trees create natural shade throughout this secluded retreat. With garden shed, security fencing, and complete privacy, this remarkable property perfectly blends rural tranquility with modern amenities for an extraordinary mountain lifestyle.

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bedrooms Possible: 4

Bathrooms

  • Total Bathrooms: 3
  • Full Bathrooms: 3
  • Primary Bathroom Features: Closet, Double Sinks, Tile

Appliances

  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal
  • Microwave
  • Electric Cook Top
  • Laundry Features: Cabinets, Inside Room

Other Rooms

  • Master Bathroom, Master Bedroom, Den, Dining Room, Family Room, Kitchen, Laundry, Workshop, Living Room
  • Living Room Features: Cathedral/Vaulted

Heating and Cooling

  • Cooling Features: Ceiling Fan(S), Central
  • Fireplace Features: Den, Family Room, Wood Stove
  • Heating Features: Central, Fireplace(S), Wood Stove
  • Number Of Fireplaces: 2

Kitchen and Dining

  • Dining Room Features: Dining Bar, Dining/Family Combo, Formal Area
  • Kitchen Features: Kitchen/Family Combo, Tile Counter

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood

 Exterior

Exterior and Lot Features

  • Fencing: Cross Fenced, Fenced, Front Yard
  • Other Structures: Barn(S), Gazebo, Shed(S), Storage

Land Info

  • Lot Description: Landscape Back, Landscape Front
  • Lot Dimensions Source: Acres
  • Lot Size Acres: 4.54
  • Lot Size Dimensions: Approx. 4.54 Acres
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Lot Size Square Feet: 197762

Garage and Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 3
  • Garage Description: Attached, Garage Door Opener, Garage Facing Side
  • Open Parking Spaces: 3
  • Parking Features: Attached, Garage Door Opener, Garage Facing Side

Home Features

  • View: Orchard, Panoramic, Valley, Hills
  • Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water Heater, Smoke Detector

 Community

Homeowners Association

  • Association: No
  • Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0
  • Pets Allowed: Yes

School Information

  • Elementary School District: Oakdale Joint
  • High School District: Oakdale Joint
  • Middle Or Junior School District: Oakdale Joint

 Listing

Other Property Info

  • City Region: Oakdale
  • Source Listing Status: Active
  • County: Stanislaus
  • Cross Street: Orange Blossom
  • Directions: HIghway 108 To Orange Blossom. Right On Lancaster. Right Side.
  • Disclaimer: All Data, Photos, Visualizations, And Information Regarding A Property, Including The Property’S Compliance With State And Local Legal Requirements And All Measurements And Calculations Of Area, Have Been Obtained From Various Sources, And May Include Such Material That Has Been Generated By Use Of Artificial Intelligence. Such Information And Material Have Not Been And Will Not Be Verified For Accuracy By The Listing Broker Or The Multiple Listing Service, And Are Not Guaranteed As Complete, Ac
  • Source Property Type: Residential
  • Area: 20203
  • Source Neighborhood: 20203
  • Parcel Number: 010-031-012-000
  • Postal Code Plus 4: 8835
  • Zoning: RES
  • Property Subtype: Single Family Residence
  • Source System Name: C 2 C

 Features

Building and Construction

  • Total Square Feet Living: 2429
  • Year Built: 1980
  • Other Buildings: Barn(S), Gazebo, Shed(S), Storage
  • Construction Materials: Stucco, Wood
  • Direction Faces: North
  • Foundation Details: Raised, Concrete
  • Living Area Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Property Age: 45
  • Roof: Tile
  • Levels Or Stories: 1
  • Structure Type: Custom, Ranchette/Country
  • House Style: Ranch
  • Year Built Source: Assessor Agent-Fill
  • Architectural Style: Ranch

Utilities

  • Electric: 220 Volts
  • Sewer: Septic Connected
  • Electric
  • Solar
  • Water Source: Well

Home Selling Myths, Debunked

Home Selling Myths, Debunked

Whether you’re a Realtor, mechanic, or even a doctor, chances are you spend a good portion of your day dispelling common myths about your job.

The real estate industry constantly changes. Still, some common home-selling myths persist even after they’ve been debunked. Let’s take the enduring belief that you need a hefty 20% down payment to buy a home, which continues to be a misconception. I’m here to set the record straight and help my readers know real estate fact from fiction. I compiled this list from years of experience with buyers and sellers and real estate stories from my mentees. So, let’s turn up the brightness and shed some light on the real estate industry.

Setting the Right Expectations

Myth #1: Going With the First Buyer Is Rarely the Best Choice

After navigating hundreds of real estate deals, I can confidently say that your first offer is nearly always the best. It’s often the strongest in terms of price and conditions. However, I’ve seen it time and again: Sellers want to “hold out for a better offer.” You can help your seller by offering perspective—flip the situation and help your seller imagine themselves in the buyer’s shoes.

Let’s imagine one of those “grass is greener” homeselling myths: Perhaps that first offer on your new listing came through in just three days (and above the asking price) because that buyer could have been waiting for just the right home. When they saw your listing, they put their best foot forward because they really wanted the home. For your sellers, it’s in their best interest to negotiate here, not just to decline the offer waiting for a better one.

Fact: Now, it’s your job to educate and coach your clients. This is one of the top blunders your sellers could make. That first offer is like a golden opportunity that could save months of inconvenience, stress, and anxiety. No more constant showings and feedback, ongoing HOA dues, or the worry of repairs (not to mention balancing a mortgage payment). After all, a new listing on the MLS gets the most attention in the first week. Then interest starts to taper off. Plus, every offer on the table is just a jumping-off point.

Myth #2: Wiggle Room in Pricing Is Essential for Negotiation

The market price of a home can fluctuate by tens of thousands of dollars over a year. If you’ve got an overpriced listing on the market, it gets staler every day that the listing is available. During the housing boom of 2021, homes that were on the market for longer than a week had a perception that something was wrong with them. Then, when the price drop happens, you have to justify the price cut to other agents.

The truth is a big piece of a real estate agent’s job is to price a listing accurately. The thing is, it can be tricky. You’ll most likely get three different numbers if you have three different real estate agents conducting a CMA.

Fact: There’s no reason to “leave some wiggle room” to get the highest offer. When pricing a home to list, only you, as the listing agent, know all the significant factors that drove the pricing on this home. Don’t let the listing get stale because your sellers thought they might get a good offer. So, our job is to listen to the client’s situation and what they’re expecting. The highest price is usually their motivation, but not always!

Myths #3: Listings Sell Themselves 

Listen, was there a time when you just listed a home without photos, and it would get multiple offers? Sure. That time is not now. Marketing your listings is one of those pieces that is done behind the scenes.

However, nowadays, agents need to pay attention to every little detail. Just how the photos are placed in order can affect the views on a listing. It takes looking at dozens and dozens of listings to get a feel for what works—and what doesn’t.

Fact: As a real estate professional, you need to be confident in order to successfully market a listing. Sellers will ask, What are you doing to sell my home? Be prepared to answer this question. Home sale preparation is done like a dealership preps the cars for the lot. Perhaps it looks like they just posted a sign in the window. Still, the car was detailed, professionally photographed, staged, posted online, and syndicated to numerous websites to find a buyer. Selling a home is the same—it’s not just a sign in the yard and a posting on the MLS. Once you have your full real estate marketing checklist, you can execute it quickly.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Myth #4: Your Home Should Reflect Your Personality

Sellers, especially those who have lived in their home for decades, are attached. They have a hard time taking down their personal or sentimental items. However, potential homebuyers can be detail-oriented (and rightfully so!). Speaking from experience, they can also get hung up on very minor details, like what types of books are in the cabinet and the style of the laminate flooring. So, while those small changes are simply cosmetic, they can be a tough hurdle for some buyers.

Be mindful as well of the fact that emotional attachment can be a burden to potential buyers. It can alienate some buyers if a home looks “lived-in.” I also stress to my clients that personal effects aren’t welcome because of strangers. Privacy and safety concerns are real, and while most folks are reasonable people and accompanied by their agent during a showing, you can never say for sure.

Fact: Your listing looks best when it’s easy for buyers to see themselves living there. You’ve got to remove the clutter, kids’ toys, and personal artwork. Let’s think back to the reference of a car from a dealership: you wouldn’t want personal effects like preprogrammed radio stations, stickers on the dashboard, and trinkets hanging from the rearview mirror. It’s best to showcase your home or listing as a blank canvas for buyers to imagine their new lives.

Myth #5: Buyers Prefer an ‘HGTV Style’ Home Remodel

HGTV brought a lot of great things to homes—interior design on a budget, a newfound love for historic homes, and, of course, the dreaded open floor plan. These days, it seems like an open floor plan is all the rage with homeowners. However, that opinion is starting to change—once buyers realize that the lack of privacy and loud noises throughout the house isn’t ideal!

Investments & Improvements

Myth #6: Major Renovations Guarantee a Return on Investment

Home tastes and styles change. While knocking walls down can seem easy, putting them back up is much harder. Every buyer has their own taste, and a complete kitchen remodel may not drastically change the value of a home. People are ready to list their homes, and the next thing they think about is prepping it. They know their kitchen is probably outdated, so they convince themselves they must spend $20,000 to remodel.

Unfortunately, you’re just giving yourself a headache. Sure, the curb appeal may be better, but consider the fact that appraisers don’t factor in the cost of appliances or upgrades when determining a home’s value.

Fact: People really think a big remodel is important. Some clients may even ask if they should look into a HELOC for renovations. Unless substantial improvements are needed, like mold mitigation, your sellers should avoid anything that takes longer than a few hours. Plus, consider the fact that if an issue arises during the inspection, they can offer a credit to keep the deal moving forward. That’s most likely easier and faster than replacing an entire system or a big renovation. Consider a less costly improvement, like resurfacing the cabinets or upgrading the sink, to help the kitchen stand out.

Myth #7: Converting the Garage Into an ADU Increases Property Value

With the short-term rental craze rising, some folks are looking for a way to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), either through a basement, garage, or large shed, to increase their value instantly. This is one of those ideas that can be better in theory than in practice.

Homeowners can spend upward of six figures on an ADU renovation to provide complete electrical, plumbing, and furnishings in an accessory unit. They expect that it will raise the value of their unit when, in fact, that square footage cannot be added to the total square footage by an appraiser. Essentially, it will add very little (if anything) toward the value of your home.

Fact: If your sellers want to renovate or upgrade, spend the money on the bathrooms and the kitchen. These renovations are where they’re more likely to see an improvement in the value of their home. Plus, you’re not limiting the potential buyer pool to those folks who are only interested in an ADU. You’ll also need to contend with zoning, permits, and perhaps even short-term rental restrictions set in place by the HOA (or even the city). It’s not worth it.

Myth #8: Getting Pre-approved Should Happen After Finding Your Perfect Home

House hunting can be exhausting. Even just showing a home takes a lot of coordination. If a buyer loves the home but has no way financially to prove that they 1) are serious about a purchase and 2) can finance it, then you’ll need to send them to a lender. A pre-approval won’t take long and can save your buyer a headache if they find a home they love before realizing they can’t get a mortgage to pay for it.

Fact: Sometimes buyers can be pushy about this. However, you must assure them that showing they can buy the home is the first step. If it’s a cash buyer, ask to see the pre-approval letter or proof of funds—and even if they have the contact information for their lender or banker. As we mentioned in our article on how to tell when your client is lyingtrust but verify.

Myth #9: Larger Brokerages Offer Superior Services

One of the more common misconceptions revolves around the belief that the size of the brokerage determines the effectiveness of your marketing (and perhaps pricing!). With the advent of internet syndication, your MLS exposure is pushed out to dozens of other sites without being part of a large brokerage. This syndication includes real estate websites with the most traffic, like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Fact: The quality of MLS entries matters more than the brokerage size for effective exposure. Plus, what else are you doing to advertise the home? Do your listing services include mailers or any unique exposure? If you’re at a smaller boutique brokerage, do you pride yourself on providing superior service to your clients? Speak to those past experiences by highlighting your referrals. Make yourself stand out, and the results will speak for themselves.

Modern Marketing Strategies

Myth #10: Still Photos on the MLS Are Enough 

At this point, some agents may argue that traditional still photos have served the industry well for years. However, 97% of all homebuyers used the internet in their home search. It’s your duty to showcase a home in its best light. Buyers need to be attracted to your listing—and that starts with professional photos.

Relying on still photography won’t be sufficient to capture the attention of today’s tech-savvy (and visually oriented) buyers. The truth is that the real estate landscape has evolved, and so have the expectations of potential buyers. People want floor plans and a 360-home tour.

Fact: Many real estate photographers offer upgraded packages that include twilight photos, drone footage, floor plans, and 3D home tours like Matterport. While there are rare instances like “as-is” investment properties, try to upgrade your digital marketing to showcase property online as best as possible. There are tools like Pivo.ai and Zillow 3D home tours that you can easily upload to your listing. You can even use photo editing software like Phixer to edit your hero shot on the MLS. Note that myths about selling your home during holidays apply here: if your listing photos still have snow in them and it’s not the season, it’s time to re-shoot.

Myth #11: Open Houses Are a Necessity for Selling a Home

This is a typical homeselling myth that may benefit agents. After all, we’re huge fans of agents hosting an open house—but remember that hosting one is more for your benefit as an agent to leverage your listing for leads. If the home isn’t vacant and it’s a bother to your sellers, don’t push your clients to use their space for an open house.

Fact: Some agents believe open houses are on the decline. While COVID took its toll on open houses, they’re still a great way to get your listing (and your brand) out to the public and the neighborhood. Looking for tips to supercharge your next open house? Check out our list of 33 Open House Ideas That Will Actually Get You Leads.

Bringing It Together

It’s tough out there for real estate professionals. You’ve got a lot of hats to juggle, and honestly, myth-busting will be another one to add to the stack. As the late American president John F. Kennedy said, “The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie: deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth: persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.”

Next time you’ve got a client with hard-stuck—and possibly outdated—beliefs about the industry, try to point them in the right direction with facts, not opinions. Feel free to share this article with your office (perhaps even your clients). And if you’ve got a myth about the real estate industry that we didn’t cover or a tip for busting myths, share it in the comment section!

Source: theclose.com ~ By: Trever James ~ Image: theclose.com

7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home can be exciting—and stressful. Beyond the challenge of finding the right home in your chosen neighborhood, many financial questions are sure to arise. With advance planning—and saving—the homebuying process will be much easier.

Our top tips:

  1. Don’t buy a home primarily as an investment. You can’t rely on home values always rising. If financial return is your primary goal, plan to own a property for at least five years.
  2. Know what you can afford. Use a mortgage calculator to figure out how much you can borrow based on your income and financial obligations. As a rule, keep your housing costs below 31–40 percent of your gross monthly income.
  3. Check your credit score. Having a better credit score can mean lower mortgage rates. Take steps to boost your score before you start house hunting.
  4. Understand the other costs involved.
    • Plan to pay property taxes and carry homeowner’s insurance.
    • A home inspection can help you plan for major repairs and routine maintenance.
    • A condo or home in a community that offers shared facilities like a pool may have monthly association fees.
    • Closing costs can be between 1.5-5 percent of the purchase price. These include mortgage applications, appraisal, transfer of property fees, and government recording fees. California is an escrow state, which means that funds are held by a third party to cover property taxes and insurance.
  5. Save for a down payment. For a conventional loan in California, a minimum down payment is 3% of the home price. However, the average down payment is 13%. Ideally, plan to put down at least 20% of your mortgage. Otherwise, you will have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums on top of your mortgage payments until your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio reaches 80%. The larger your down payment, the easier it will be to qualify for a mortgage and negotiate the lowest rate. Plus, when sellers review multiple offers, the more you put down, the more competitive your offer will be with other bids.
  6. Know what documents you need for your loan. Commonly requested loan documents include a fully executed agreement of sale for the property being purchased, bank and brokerage account statements, pay stubs, previous W2s, IRS Form 4506 (which authorizes a mortgage lender to obtain copies of your tax returns from the IRS), and homeowners’ insurance policies.
  7. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Get a preapproval letter from a competitive mortgage broker that specifies how much a lender is willing to lend you and locks in the rate. This lets real estate agents and sellers know that you’re a serious buyer because your financing is already arranged. In competitive markets, many realtors now ask for a preapproval letter before showing any properties or entering a contract with a buyer.

Additional resources:

Source:

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will

Waiting for the perfect buyer to fall in love with your house? In today’s market, that’s usually not what’s holding things up. And here’s why.

Let’s be real. Homes are taking a week longer to sell than they did a year ago. According to Realtor.com:

“Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home spent 60 days on the market in August, seven days longer than last year and now above pre-pandemic norms for the second consecutive month. This was the 17th straight month of year-over-year increases in time on market.”

Part of that is because there are more homes on the market. So, with more options for buyers to choose from, they aren’t getting snatched up quite as fast. But there’s another big reason: price.

The Average List Price Isn’t Going Up – and That Matters

Today, a lot of homeowners are overshooting their list price. They remember the big climb in home prices a few years ago, and they don’t realize how much has changed.

One of the most important, but often overlooked, changes in today’s housing market is this: average list prices have held steady for the past few years.

That’s a big shift from a typical market, where prices were rising steadily each year. And it’s significantly different than the 2021-2022 surge when sellers could set their price just about anywhere and still attract multiple offers over asking.

But now? That trend has leveled off – and sellers who want to stay competitive need to take note (see graph below):

a graph of a priceHere’s what this says about today’s market. Buyers are a lot more price sensitive now. And sellers can’t keep trying to inch the bar higher, or their house will sit without any offers.

Homeowners who expect to bring in more than their neighbors did last year may be setting themselves up for a longer, more frustrating experience.

And while homeowners are starting to realize prices can’t keep climbing at such a rapid pace, the hiccup is that list prices aren’t actually coming down yet as a result. They’re hanging around, holding steady. And sellers who make this mistake are often holding onto hope that they’ll be able to eek a few more dollars out of their sale. But that’s the problem right there.

If you want to sell today, you need to be in line with where the market is today. Not last year. Not during the pandemic. Today.

Because buyers will skip over homes that feel overpriced, even if it’s only by a little. It’s not that they aren’t interested. It’s just that in a market with more homes to choose from, buyers can be more selective, and sellers don’t get the same benefit of the doubt. If your house isn’t priced to sell, buyers just move on. They’ve got other options anyway.

4 Signs Your Price May Be Too High

You may already be feeling this yourself. If your home is listed and you’re not seeing results, watch for these common red flags noted by Bankrate:

  1. You’re not getting many showings
  2. You haven’t gotten any offers (or you’ve only gotten lowball offers)
  3. Buyers that do come to see your house leave overly negative feedback
  4. Your house has been sitting on the market longer than the average for your area

If any of these sound familiar, know that waiting it out won’t fix it. But adjusting your price will.

So, What’s the Solution?

Work with your agent to make sure your house is positioned for today’s market. Depending on your what’s happening in your local area, a few weeks without traction can raise questions for buyers about whether your price is realistic. And don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be a big drop. Even a small adjustment can be enough to bring the right buyers through the door.

And if you’re worried you won’t get the high-ticket sale price you thought you would be able to land, keep in mind that your equity has probably grown quite a bit. Chances are, you’re still ahead of the game simply because you invested in a home over the last 5, 10, or more years. You’re still winning when you sell today.

Bottom Line

Patience isn’t a strategy. Pricing is.

If your home isn’t moving, the market is telling you something – and the right price can change everything. Your house will sell, if you price it strategically.

Talk to your agent about what buyers are willing to pay right now to make sure your home stands out for all the right reasons. 

Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com ~ Image:

PENDING 1150 El Jacinto Ct, Turlock, 3 bed/2 bath/2118sqft/0.41ac lot

1150 El Jacinto Ct, Turlock

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PENDING $817,000 – Old Turlock on a Court!! Discover this exceptional Turlock gem nestled on a majestic 0.40-acre lot offering unparalleled privacy and park-like tranquility. This meticulously maintained 2,118 square foot home with 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 baths showcases the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates. The previous owners lovingly cared for every detail, creating a truly special retreat with court living and potential RV and boat access. Step into the expansive front living room with formal dining, then escape to your private backyard oasis featuring a stunning replastered pool and spa combination. Recent thoughtful renovations include a newer roof, fresh paint, updated kitchen with modern appliances, beautiful wood floors, renovated bathrooms, a fireplace insert, an HVAC system, and pool equipment. The master bathroom has been completely transformed, while professional front landscaping with accent lighting enhances the home’s curb appeal. The covered patio sits atop newer concrete, providing the perfect setting for entertaining or quiet relaxation. With a spacious three-car garage and endless possibilities, this rare find offers the ideal combination of location, privacy, and modern comfort that discerning buyers seek. Lots to enjoy in this home! A Must See!! 

 Interior

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Primary Bedroom Features: Outside Access

Bathrooms

  • Total Bathrooms: 2
  • Full Bathrooms: 2
  • Primary Bathroom Features: Shower Stall(S), Double Sinks, Walk-In Closet

Appliances

  • Hood Over Range
  • Dishwasher
  • Disposal
  • Microwave
  • Double Oven
  • Electric Cook Top
  • Laundry Features: Cabinets, Sink, Hookups Only, Inside Room

Other Rooms

  • Master Bedroom, Family Room, Great Room, Living Room
  • Living Room Features: Great Room

Heating and Cooling

  • Fireplace Features: Insert, Family Room
  • Heating Features: Central, Fireplace(S), Wood Stove
  • Number Of Fireplaces: 1

Kitchen and Dining

  • Dining Room Features: Dining Bar, Formal Area
  • Kitchen Features: Quartz Counter, Island, Stone Counter

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Tile, Wood

 Exterior

Pool and Spa

  • Pool Features: Built-In, Pool/Spa Combo, Fenced

Exterior and Lot Features

  • Fencing: Back Yard
  • Other Structures: Pergola, Shed(S), Storage
  • Patio And Porch Features: Front Porch, Covered Patio

Land Info

  • Lot Description: Auto Sprinkler F&R, Garden
  • Lot Dimensions Source: Acres
  • Lot Size Acres: 0.4081
  • Lot Size Dimensions: Approx. 17776 Sf
  • Lot Size Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Topography: Level, Level
  • Lot Size Square Feet: 17777

Garage and Parking

  • Garage Spaces: 3
  • Garage Description: Attached, Garage Door Opener, Garage Facing Front
  • Open Parking Spaces: 3
  • Parking Features: Attached, RV Possible, Garage Door Opener, Garage Facing Front

Home Features

  • View: City
  • Security Features: Carbon Mon Detector, Double Strapped Water Heater, Smoke Detector

 Community

Homeowners Association

  • Association: No
  • Calculated Total Monthly Association Fees: 0

School Information

  • Elementary School District: Turlock Unified
  • High School District: Turlock Unified
  • Middle Or Junior School District: Turlock Unified

 Listing

Other Property Info

  • City Region: Turlock
  • Source Listing Status: Active
  • County: Stanislaus
  • Cross Street: Mira Flores
  • Directions: Hawkeye-East, Make A Right On Quincy. Left On Mira Flores (To The East). Left On El Jacinto Court.
  • Disclaimer: All Data, Photos, Visualizations, And Information Regarding A Property, Including The Property’S Compliance With State And Local Legal Requirements And All Measurements And Calculations Of Area, Have Been Obtained From Various Sources, And May Include Such Material That Has Been Generated By Use Of Artificial Intelligence. Such Information And Material Have Not Been And Will Not Be Verified For Accuracy By The Listing Broker Or The Multiple Listing Service, And Are Not Guaranteed As Complete, Ac
  • Source Property Type: Residential
  • Area: 20302
  • Source Neighborhood: 20302
  • Parcel Number: 051-032-032-000
  • Postal Code Plus 4: 3629
  • Zoning: Res
  • Property Subtype: Single Family Residence
  • Source System Name: C 2 C

 Features

Building and Construction

  • Total Square Feet Living: 2118
  • Year Built: 1978
  • Other Buildings: Pergola, Shed(S), Storage
  • Construction Materials: Frame, Wood
  • Direction Faces: South
  • Foundation Details: Raised
  • Living Area Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Property Age: 47
  • Roof: Composition
  • Levels Or Stories: 1
  • Structure Type: Custom
  • House Style: Ranch
  • Year Built Source: Assessor Auto-Fill
  • Architectural Style: Ranch

Utilities

  • Electric: 220 Volts
  • Sewer: Sewer In Street

Public

  • Water Source: Public