Monday, November 26, 2007

Seller's Guide To Listing Checklist

Here is a checklist for anyone who is considering putting their home on the market. Use this list to help put your home in top condition and have it show to the greatest potential.

Landscaping

___ Lawn in good condition
___ Hedges trimmed
___ Yard cleared of leaves and trash
___ Flower beds weeded and dead plants removed
___ Fence in good repair

Home Exterior

___ Painted and repaired
___ Doors work easily and silently
___ Doorbell operating
___ Driveway free of grease

Garage

___ Doors work easily and silently
___ Workbench and tools neatly arranged
___ Floors cleaned and good condition
___ Boxes and storage items neatly arranged

Living Room

___ Walls and ceilings freshly painted or cleaned
___ Curtains clean and in good condition
___ Carpet clean and in good condition
___ Windows clean
___ Clutter and extra furniture removed

Kitchen

___ Range and oven clean
___ Sink clear of dishes
___ Cupboards neat
___ Fausets in good repair
___ Windows clean
___ Walls and ceiling freshly painted or cleaned
___ Floors clean
___ Counters clear

Bedrooms

___ Walls and ceilings freshly painted or cleaned
___ Beds made and toys put away
___ Floors cleaned and in good condition
___ Closets neatly arranged
___ Curtains and blinds clean and in good condition
___ Windows clean
___ Remove unnecessary furniture

Bathrooms
___ Floors cleaned and in good condition
___ Toilet clean and lid down
___ Shower and tub clean and personal items removed
___ Faucets in good repair

Friday, November 16, 2007

New Website

Did you know that 85% of home buyers begin their home search on the internet? Many times people want to be able to search for properties and gather valuable information from the comfort of their home. Well, in response to my customer's needs I have launched a website that will provide just that. You, your family and friends can search the San Diego MLS through my site. You will find useful information on buying, selling, home maintenance, loans and much more. My goal is to provide you with all the information you want and need in a convenient format. Please check it out at. http://www.kqsellshomes.com/



I would like to thank Karen Gilley for coming up with the name. I hope you find the information informative and useful. Please help me get the word out about my website by forwarding it to your friends and family members. Don't forget, I am always here for you and look forward to assisting you with any real estate need. Never hesitate to call me.


Kimberlee Quarles, REALTOR

Century 21 Award

(619) 590-3043 office
(619) 987-5143 cell
http://www.kqsellshomes.com/

Thursday, November 15, 2007

California Fast Facts

Calif. median home price - September 07: $530,830(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region September 07: Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,667,500(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region September 07: High Desert $271,940(Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - Second Quarter 07: 24 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 11/08: 30-yr. fixed: 6.24%; Fees/points: 0.4% 15-yr. fixed: 5.90%; Fees/points: 0.5% 1-yr. adjustable: 5.50%; Fees/points: 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac)

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Advantages to Buying Rather Than Renting

Whether you are looking for more space to raise a family or just a place to call your own, there are many advantages to owning a home. For many people, the motivation for home ownership is primarily financial. Owning your own home is a first-rate investment for a number of reasons:

Scheduled Savings
When you buy a house, over time the value of the property gradually increases. The equity you build is like making regular deposits into a savings account. In contrast, renters must continue to pay rent to a landlord for as long as they rent, without the opportunity to build equity.

Stable Housing Costs
Another advantage to home ownership is that while rent payments typically increase year after year, mortgage payments can remain unchanged for the term of the loan. Eventually you can pay off the mortgage as opposed to paying increasing rent with no end in sight.

Increased Value
Houses typically increase in value, or “appreciate,” over time. It’s not unusual to find a house that sold for $150,000 fifteen years ago to be valued at much more than that amount today. This increased value is a great "nest egg" for the homeowner.

Tax Benefits
Homeowners also get large tax breaks that are not available to renters. Most importantly, interest paid on a home mortgage is usually deductible. This factor alone can save you a substantial amount of money each year in federal income taxes.

Buyers Did You Know?

1. I can show you any property listed in the Sandicor MLS. Some home buyers are under the impression that since I am with Century 21 Award I can only show properties listed with my office. THIS IS NOT TRUE. As a real estate professional, I have access to the MLS. This service lists ALL real estate office listings and I can show you any of the properties.

2. Using me as your real estate agent costs you nothing. The seller, when they list a property for sale agrees to pay a percentage of the sales price to the listing agent. The listing agent then agrees to give a portion of that percentage to the cooperating agent that brings in the buyer.

3. Buying a home from the agent on the For Sale sign is not always a good idea. That agent represents the seller. You need and deserve someone to work for you to negotiate the best deal for you. If you see a property that interests you, call me.

4. When you work with more than one agent, you really have NO agent working for you. Real Estate agents do not get paid a salary (or gas money). An agent may work with a buyer for months before finding them their dream home. Agents know that if you are working with more than one agent you could buy from another agent and all their hard work was for nothing. If you want an agent to be committed to you, you must be committed to them.

5. You do not always get a good price when working with a For Sale By Owner. Most owners who are going through the hassle of selling themselves are doing so to attemp to make the most money for themselves. Often times over pricing the home. Do not make the biggest investment of your life without proper representation.

10 Reason to Buy NOW!

1. There is no reason to sit on the sidelines waiting for a dramatic drop in price. The market is not crashing. Buyers sitting on the fence will miss out on the long-term appreciation gains and the tax advantages of home ownership.
2. Unlike stocks, homes have utility value. You have to live somewhere, so make your investment work for you by building up equity while you benefit from tax breaks.
3. Homes are realistically priced to move. When you find that dream home, act with conviction and don't miss out.
4. Interest rates remain at near historic lows. Just a small increase in rates will dramatically increase your monthly payments.
5. Mortgage lenders want your business. There are many loan types available, one is sure to meet your needs.
6. It is a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage and lock in your rate. You will have more negotiating power with the seller.
7. Sellers are eager to sell and are more likely to make a deal that includes helping with your closing costs and paying HOA fees.
8. Facing a competitive market, sellers are sprucing up their properties so buyers do not need a lot of cash for repairs, renovations, landscaping and appliances.
9. You have more choices. A greater selection of homes currently on the market means a greater chance of finding the home of your dreams.
10. The most important factor is for a buyer to get into the game. San Diego has appreciated an average of 8% over the last 20 years. Housing is a medium to long term investment so you need to get into the game.

Great Santee Home For Sale


Offered at $414,000 - $424,000

Your Immaculate Home On Quiet Cul-De-Sac Is Waiting For You! Truly Shows Pride Of
Ownership. This Home Is Move In Ready! Fireplace, Stainless Appliances Stay, Backyard
Spa, Rv/Boat Parking, New Heat And A/C In 2005, 9 Year Old Roof, Newer Windows.
• 3 Bedroom/2 Bath
• 1364 Square Feet
• Updated Kitchen and Baths
• Breakfast Nook
• Fireplace in Living Room
• Fruit Trees
• Relaxing Backyard
Call Me Today For More Information.
Kimberlee Quarles
Century 21 Award
(619) 590-3043

Jamul Home For Sale

Offered for $475,000 - $495,000

• Majestic Oak Trees Provide The Ultimate Feeling Of Privacy And
Serenity. Immaculate Home Situated On Over 3 Acres Of Usable Land.
Bring Your Horses To A Property That Is Surrounded By Trails. Plenty
Of Room For All Your Toys, Parking Will Not Be An Issue Here!
• 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath
• 3.31 Acres of usable property
• Built in 1994
• Fully Fenced
• Seasonal Stream
• Private and Serene
• Come Experience All That Jamul Has To Offer, 45 Minutes To
Downtown San Diego. Award Winning Schools And A True Sense Of
Community. Look No Further, You Have Found The Home You Have
Been Looking For!
Call Me
3673 RUDNICK DR Jamul 91935
Kimberlee Quarles
Direct: (619) 590-3043

About Me


I reside in the beautiful community of Jamul, in San Diego’s East County. I enjoy horseback riding, crafts, and watching my daughters play soccer. As a resident of the East County for nearly 20 years, I am knowledgeable of the different communities including but not limited to El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, La Mesa, Jamul and Alpine. I understand the market and what each community has to offer.

As a Realtor® in San Diego County, I am committed to providing my clients with the best customer service. I am a member of SANDICOR, the California Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors. I strive to remain current on all market conditions by regularly attending continuing education classes and training seminars. You can rest assured that I am up to date on all the cutting edge techniques and will put this knowledge to work for you.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you find it a valuable resource of real estate information. If you are looking for incredible customer service, knowledgeable representation, honesty, integrity, and professionalism; I am the Realtor® for you. If you are in need of more real estate information or want to search for a San Diego property, check out my website at www.KQsellshomes.com Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions. I look forward to working with you.

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