1. Price Your Home Right

If you price your house too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. Experienced Real Estate Broker, Sheralyn McVeigh can help determine what your ideal asking price should be, so your house moves quickly and for top dollar.

2. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Today, homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they used to. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 6 to 10 years.

This is much more than what used to be the norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations and the best pricing strategy along the way. Trust the professionals who have your best interests in mind.

3. Stage Your Home Properly

While you may love your decor and how you’ve customized your house over the years, not all buyers will feel the same way about your vibe. As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, says: “Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light.”
If you’re considering selling your house, contact Sheralyn 714-746-7088 so you have help navigating the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.

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Last year, the Federal Reserve took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, mortgage rates jumped up rapidly from the record lows we saw in 2021, peaking at just over 7% last October. Hopeful buyers experienced a hit to their purchasing power as a result, and some decided to press pause on their plans.

With all the choices in today’s market, how do you go about finding the right home? It seems the more research you do, the more options you discover. 

It’s important to visualize your needs and plan ahead. “Know what you want in a home, what’s important to you, and what you can live without,” Sheralyn Mcveigh, Broker and Owner of McVeigh Properties says. “Many of us start out with a champagne taste and a beer budget, so it’s important to be realistic,” she adds. 

Where and what you buy will affect you for as long as you live in the house. “Get your priorities in order before you start looking or even talk to a real estate broker or sales associate,” Sheralyn says. 

For first time homebuyers this is a new experience, so it’s especially important to do your homework. If you currently own a home, you know exactly what’s lacking. You may need another bedroom or bathroom, or a good school nearby. 

First, decide where you want to live. A big part of the answer hinges on where and how you earn a living. If your job requires a lot of reading or is quite stressful, public transportation may offer valuable time to sit quietly. “Regardless, you should practice the commute in rush hour before you make a commitment. A seemingly quiet road can transform into gridlock during peak hours,” Sheralyn cautions. 

People with children have other major considerations: school and safety. If you plan to send your children to private school, you can live where you want, assuming you can easily arrange transportation. On the other hand, a lavish public school system may indicate high local real estate taxes. Check them out. 

Obviously, lifestyle is an important consideration. People who dine out, go dancing and attend the theater probably belong in the city or a close-in suburb. “In other words, make sure you’re in close proximity to the things that matter most.”   

It used to be that homes came in a limited variety, but today, you have many choices. In addition to the traditional single-family home, you can buy a townhouse, condominium or apartment condominium or co-op.  

In planned unit developments (PUDs), you can find almost any combination. In condos and other such communities, make sure the rules and regulations, as well as the by-laws, match your lifestyle. This type of housing is great for people who want to own their own space without being responsible for mowing the lawn or repairing the roof; a management company handles that. 

On the other hand, you’ll pay fees for these services. “In addition to checking the documents and financial soundness of the homeowner’s association, you must determine if the monthly fees are worth the services and additional amenities, such as a swimming pool or exercise room,” Sheralyn explains. 

Affordability can be a factor not only in the type of housing, but whether it’s new or an existing home. Old houses often have fine woodwork or interesting nooks and crannies not normally found in new homes. They generally sit on landscaped lots with mature trees and grown bushes. 

New homes may cost more, but you can make many more decisions on amenities, colors, carpeting and fixtures. “Make sure you’re dealing with a reputable builder, and have an attorney review all documents, Sheralyn says.

Selecting a real estate professional is an important first step in beginning your search. “Ask for personal recommendations to find an individual who is knowledgeable about the neighborhood and has access to the local Multiple Listing Service,” Sheralyn says. Make sure you feel confident about his or her knowledge and skills, and understand the business relationship that you have established between you. 

Sheralyn McVeigh is a member of the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, and has obtained the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation. As the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing the real estate buyer, REBAC is “The Voice for Buyer Representation,” with more than 32,000 active real estate professional members of the organization throughout the world.  

2. Do you have a personal assistant, team or staff to handle different parts of the purchase? What are their names and how will each of them help me in my transaction? How do I communicate with them?
It is not uncommon for agents who sell a lot of houses to hire people to work with them. They typically work on a referral basis, and, as their businesses grow, they must be able to deliver the same or higher quality service to more people.

You may want to know who on the team will take part in your transaction, and what role each person will play. You may even want to meet the other team members before you decide to work with the team. If you have a question about fees on your closing statement, who would handle that? Who will show up to your closing?

3. Do you have a Website that will provide me with useful information? Can I have your URL address? Who responds to emails and how quickly? What’s your email address?
Many homebuyers prefer to search online for homes because it’s available 24 hours a day and you can do it in the privacy of your own home. By searching your real estate agent’s Website you will get a clear picture of how much work you would be able to accomplish online.

4. Will you show me properties from other companies’ listings?
Some real estate companies do offer their buyers’ agents a higher commission if they are able to sell “in-house” listings. In such circumstances, there can be added incentive to limit the range of homes you are shown. This may impact your home search and how much your buyer agent’s fee will be.

5. Will you represent me or will you represent the seller? May I have that in writing? How will you represent me, and what is the direct benefit of having you represent me?
The goal here is to ascertain to whom the real estate agent has legal fiduciary obligation, which may vary from state to state or even locale to locale. In the past, agents always worked for sellers. Then the listing broker was responsible for paying the agent or sub-agent that brought a suitable buyer for the home. And even though the buyer worked ‘with’ an agent, the agent still represented and owed their fiduciary duty to the seller.

1. Put yourself in the best financial position possible – In today’s market, people are put in direct competition with one another for property.  Create a strong offer and be willing to provide a good downpayment.  In addition, pre-approval is nearly essential.
2. Be flexible – Buyers in a seller’s market must be willing to prioritize what they need versus what they want.  Purchasing patterns have changed over time and unexpected changes in a highly competitive market must constantly be considered.  A great tip is to buy for your current, and near future, needs.  Make a list of what are the highest priorities and what might be lower.
3. Choose the right realtor – Make sure to find a realtor that matches your specific needs.  A professional that knows the area is an equally important factor.  You have a place in mind and a realtor familiar with location and local inventory can help you navigate a high demand market.  Don’t fear regular communication and be willing to ask for advice.  A realtor’s number one goal should be to work for you in your best interest.
4. Prepare a realistic timeline – It is extremely important to create a timeline that can allow you to reasonably accomplish your goal of finding the right home.  This can get tricky if you’re living in a rental or moving from outside the area.  Consequently, you must begin your search in advance.  Do not procrastinate as a hot market does not guarantee a closing in your favor.
5. Act quickly – Expect to act fast when the supply is low and the demand is high.  Time can regularly work against you in these type of conditions.  As a result, you must have a game plan already established and prepare to act when something matches your wants and needs.

These are only a few tips to move you in the right direction.  Most importantly, keep your head up and keep your eyes on the listings.  Feel free to ask and we are always willing to help!

1. Determine what you can afford – The first step is to meet with a lender, review your own finances, and see what you can afford with a downpayment.  If you can only realistically afford a home at $400,000, do not waste your time looking at a home that is $700,000.  As a real estate expert, we often warn not to shop for the most expensive home you can qualify for, unless you can truly live with the payment that comes with it.
2. Check for down-payment assistance – As a first time homebuyer, check to see if you qualify for one of the down-payment assistance programs.  In Orange County, a family of four can qualify for state and federal assistance even with an income as high as $108,350, said Karla Lopez del Rio of NeighborWorks Orange County, a HUD-approved housing assistance agency.  Do not assume your income is too high.
3. Get pre-approved – Getting a lender to pre-approve a loan before you shop.  This can make your offers more attractive, and protect you from keeping deals from falling apart.  Additionally, get all the documentation you’ll need for the loan process.  Speak to your lender about what you need.  When home shopping, be sure to avoid taking on new credit at that time.  Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your credit line.
4. Pick an agent who is right for you – Look for an agent with whom you can communicate with.  Feel free to take on an interview approach.  Keep in mind that an agent works for you and needs to be concerned with your best interests.  Make sure that you find someone who you can trust and is informed and knowledgeable.
5. Find a home you can afford – Make a wish list of where you want to live and what you want to have in your home.  But, don’t fall in love with a home without acknowledging its flaws.  Move on from a home if the asking price is unrealistic or if the seller is being unreasonable…or if the bidding rises beyond your budget.  Be willing to research and discover multiple properties prior to committing to one.
6. Scope out the neighborhood – Your agent should provide you with local information about the neighborhood.  Then, walk and drive the neighborhood, meet people, and get a feel for what it would be like to live in the community.  Spending time around the area will help you find out if it’s truly a place you can live.
7. Make a realistic offer – While buyers have limited negotiating power in the current market, be savvy with your asking price.  Be willing to place an offer a little over the asking price but always keep it within your budget.  With that, you might run into trouble getting a loan if your offer is higher than the lender’s appraised value of the home. Lenders won’t approve the loan if the appraisal is less than the loan amount.
8. Find a good home inspector – Be aware of deadlines during escrow. And respond in a timely manner to the home and termite inspections, seller disclosures and the preliminary title report so you don’t miss your chance to opt out if a problem arises.  Read your loan documents or get someone you trust to help you understand what’s in them. The two most important things to look for in your loan packet are the settlement statement (listing all the costs and fees of the loan) and the note (the actual loan contract).

There might not be many secrets due to the area’s recent notoriety, but here are five neighborhoods you may not have previously considered as excellent places to live in Orange County.

1. 1. 1. 1. Aliso Viejo – With new homes, interesting architecture, and plenty of space, Aliso Viejo is an up-and-comer.  Considering homes next door in Mission Viejo are regularly exceeding $1,000,000, this area still remains relatively lower cost with growth potential.  The city has done an excellent job of drawing the right type of people to the area and progressively building a tremendous community.
         2. Seal Beach – The city is often considered old (currently), but the existing infrastructure and shoreline location means big things for this city.  Seal Beach maintains a beautiful and private section of the Pacific Ocean exclusively to itself.  With restaurants and shops covering all interests, this area could quickly become a tourist haven or a smart place to invest in right now.  The median home price is nearly a quarter of most beachfront property located in and around Orange County.
         3. Santa Ana –   Near downtown, or the artist’s village, you can find plenty of buzz swirling around activity and passion.  Coastal locations often get the most recognition, but Santa Ana has dramatically upgraded within the past year.  The community was regularly considered rough for many years.  Yet, in a very short amount of time, the change has been dramatic and non-stop.  Young people have spent much time and energy to help move this city forward.  Due to their efforts, among others within the community, Santa Ana now boasts a variety of hip restaurants, pubs, and events.  This place has suddenly become a hotspot for young professionals and students.
         4. Fullerton – California State Fullerton has always given this community some life, and has frequently infused energy and excitement into the local establishments.  The mix of student community and professionals has a perfect blend that creates an excellent balance.  Typically, we consider a level of risk when thinking about a college town that can support the party scene.  In Fullerton, the student population does not seems to cultivate a great sense of community and sustain a strong sense of morals and values.  You can find relatively affordable housing throughout Fullerton.  Savvy home-hunters and investors can still find bargain condos that be turned into rentals and starter homes.
         5. Stanton – The smaller city of Stanton is certainly overlooked, but the homes are significantly lower.  While Stanton might be very lowkey, you can head to Anaheim for baseball games or head to Disneyland.  The location, itself, makes the city very valuable and likely to attract the right kind of people to it.  The median home is priced at $400,000 and that will not last for long.  The homes have already experienced a steady increase over the past few years.  This is an area worth considering as it grows.

47th Annual Festival of Whales (March 3rd to 11th, Dana Point)
The 2-hour whale watching trip is simply the best. During the festivals, whale watching excursions depart every hour from 8 AM to 4 PM. In between watch trips, you can spend time experiencing an array of other included events.

Cirque Du Soleil: LUZIA (March 1st to 25th, Costa Mesa)
LUZIA takes you to a reimagined Mexico. Full of surrealistic visual surprises and striking acrobatic performances, LUZIA delivers multiple places, faces, and sounds that are both traditional and modern to Mexico.

Dana Point Fine Arts Outdoor Art Show (March 3rd to 11th, Dana Point)
Dana Point Fine Arts Associations hosts their annual fine arts show at the Harbor Boardwalk. Experience award-winning artwork varying from watercolor to acrylic. Proceeds go to Dana Hills High School Art Program.

OCWineFest (March 10th, San Juan Capistrano)
Come celebrate the oncoming of spirits at the historical grounds of A Stones Throw Winery. Guests will have the opportunity to learn and sip on award-winning wines from around the globe and from California. Not to be forgotten, OCWineFest has included an array of tasty beers from local breweries around Southern California. The goal is to bring wine and people together in a way that blends fun, exploration, and education.

St. Patty’s Day Party (March 17th, Newport Beach)
St. Patty’s Day yacht party is full of Irish libations, authentic cuisine, and evening dance. 3-hours worth of fun in one of Orange County’s most beautiful locations.

OC Chili Winter Trail Run (March 24th, Trabuco Canyon)
Heat up your winter with the OC Chili Winter Trail Run. With 5, 7, and 10-mile jaunts and a post chili cook and campfire. Stay fit and well fed!

Zedtown (March 31st, Costa Mesa)
Orange County residents prepare for an impending zombie invasion experience at “Zedtown,” on March 31st at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Armed with only their foam blasters, thousands of Orange County defenders are invited to battle together to make it to the final stand in this post-apocalyptic adventure of Survivors vs. Zombies.