El Cajon homes for sale

Want To Make More Money When You Sell Your Home?

Terri Pontzious 1 Comment

ImageSo, you have been pleasantly surprised by the increase in prices and you have decided to take the plunge and put your home on the market. You have watched the TV home improvement shows and know you should “get your home ready” or “stage” it, but what does that mean?

I can’t stress the value of “curb appeal” enough. When potential buyers arrive at your home and walk to the front door, are they making a list repairs that need to be completed? Or, are they drawn to the freshly painted and welcoming front door? The new door mat? The colorful flowers in the pot? It makes a big difference.

I recommend you stand across the street from your home and pretend you are a buyer…what do you see? Let your emotional ties to the home go and be honest.  Is the front door dusty and in need of paint? Can you see the trash cans? Are the walks clean?

Most homes show better with less furniture.  You have decided to move, so start packing! Rent a storage unit for furniture that blocks paths through your home and put them in storage. Do you need all the books on the book shelves – probably not, pack them. What about out of season clothes or toys your kids don’t play with anymore?

Now is the time to de-clutter – if you haven’t used it in a month, does it really need to be out on a counter? If not, donate it or pack it away!

You must de-personalize! Pack up those personal photographs. You want potential buyers to say “I can see myself living here” not wondering what kind of people live here now, looking at your family photos to see if they know you!

Your house needs to shine! Wash windows inside and out. Re-caulk tubs and showers if needed. Polish faucets and mirrors. Replace worn rugs. Hang up fresh towels. Keep the beds made!

Now is the time to make minor repairs. Even better is to have a home inspection that you can provide the buyer with a list of the items you have or will take care of.

Taking a couple of weeks to prepare your home for sale can be worth literally thousands of dollars…REALLY.  I would be happy to share more details for how to prepare your home for sale, just let me know how I can help you!

Do You Love Where You Live?

Terri Pontzious Leave a comment

I love where I live. 

Living “in the country” brings me a sense of peace and tranquility at the end of the day.  Today, my husband and I watched a Golden Eagle soar over our house and land on a tree overlooking our property.   What a majestic being he was. I wanted to grab my camera, but we couldn’t move without disturbing this giant bird and ruining the moment. So, we stayed put, transfixed as we watched the eagle look for his evening meal.

We all like different things – some like the country, like I do; some like living in the mountains, the beach, in the city, in the suburbs, near a school, near public transportation – we are all drawn to something.  Sometimes that changes over time. What we like when we are 25 may not be the same as when we are 35 or 60.

Sometimes, we dream of where we would really like to live, and that can lead to a goal and a plan to achieve our dream.

So, do you love where you live?  Where do you dream of living? I would love to know, so let me know what and where your dream home is!

Are You Sitting on the Fence ….. Waiting?

Terri Pontzious Leave a comment

I see it everyday, cash buyers here in San Diego buying property….single family homes, condos, and apartments buildings.  They are coming to San Diego from all over the country.

Some are even coming from other countries. They can’t buy property fast enough.
So why are so many people here in San Diego sitting on the fence? Waiting to make a move and buy a home, or buy an investment property and start building their wealth?

For first time home buyers, you have to live somewhere, right?  You can continue paying rent and helping someone else build their wealth, or you can buy a home to call your own, where you can paint the walls any color you want, hang pictures wherever your want, grow a garden, have a pet without huge deposits. Did you know that you can sometimes spend less money owning your own home than you pay in rent?

Some of the best bargains in San Diego County are found in San Diego’s best kept secret….East County.  The communities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Jamul, Descanso, and Pine Valley offer fantastic values.  How about a 5 bedroom home on 1.5 acres with oak trees and a seasonal stream for $484,599?  Yes, you can find it in Alpine.  What about a great investment property — a condo for less than $100,000? It’s in El Cajon.   Looking for a custom home with a view…have you checked out the communities of Horizon Hills or Hidden Mesa?  Want some privacy and a place for horses?  Have you seen Dehesa Valley?  Amazing values there!

Don’t miss out on the great opportunity this real estate cycle is offering…..its there for the taking!