Is Your Landscaping Eco-Friendly?

I hope that this email finds you and your family well and safe. I know that we are all consumed in different ways by this crisis. My aunt's passion is gardening so I thought this would some good info since staying at home is what most of us are doing. Getting outside for some sunshine is important and gardening at home is one of the best things you can do! 
Did you know that working in your garden is one of the safest and healthiest ways to socially distance yourself? 
Next Wednesday is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; so with that in mind, I wanted to share with you a few eco-friendly landscaping tips as you dig into your spring projects.

Plant Trees and Shrubs Native to Your Area
Find trees and shrubs that are native to your area. They’ll repel pests and require fewer pesticides. Planting your trees strategically can also help provide shade for your home in the summer and let sunlight in throughout the winter. As a bonus, it will help cut heating and air conditioning costs.

Conserve Water
Xeriscaping your yard in dry climates is a great way to conserve water. If you don’t xeriscape completely, group plants together that have similar watering needs. If possible, collect rainwater in a rain barrel to water and schedule sprinklers to water early in the morning and late at night to avoid evaporation.

Use Natural Fertilizers
If you like to use fertilizer, look for a natural fertilizer to help turn your grass green. Using compost is a great organic way to fertilize your grass and plants. In addition to helping the lawn, it helps the soil. Also, pull your weeds rather than use weed killers that contain chemicals and pesticides.

Add Mulch
Use mulch around trees and garden beds to help control weeds and conserve water. Organic mulch also helps with healthy root growth and it promotes good soil.

As you’re looking to get outside, think about a little stress relief in your garden. Use these eco-friendly landscaping tips. They’ll help conserve the earth and your budget. Show me your garden tips and reply to this email with a few pictures. 

If there’s anything I can do to help you or your family,  give me a call. I am here for you.

I pray that God blesses you, your family, your health, your finances and your well being.

All my best,

​Zen

Moving This Summer? Download This Helpful Cheat Sheet

Moving is never a fun process. Once you’ve bought your next home, the thought of getting settled in, decorating, and living in your new space is incredibly exciting. But the actual logistics of preparing for and executing your moving day...not so much.

For most of us, it’s a time filled with stress and anxiety. Packing might take longer than expected, movers could be running hours late, and you might forget to transfer utilities on time.

However, if you start preparing weeks in advance, the day itself can be much more manageable, even if there are some day-of hiccups. Follow the tips in our new moving day cheat sheet to help your big move go as smoothly as possible.

Click here to download

We are now into the SUMMER market here in Orange County. If you haven’t bought your new home yet, or if you're thinking of selling please reach out and I’d be happy to help you find the perfect one.

3 Reasons Your Home Won’t Sell and How to Fix it

There’s nothing worse than excitedly listing your home on the market, only to wait months and months with no offers. When a home doesn’t sell, especially in a hot market, there are usually some issues with the home or listing. But here’s the good news: those problems can be fixed. Here are three of the most common reasons homes don’t sell and what you can do to get those offers rolling in.

If your home isn’t selling, especially if you’ve had a lot of viewings and you’re in a strong real estate market, it’s likely a sign that it’s overpriced. While you definitely don’t want to go lower than what you owe on the loan, you might need to slightly lower the price to bring it in line with the value buyers perceive when they view the home. It should be similar to your local competition; if it’s priced a lot higher than similar homes in your area, that could be the issue. Additionally, your listing price should take into account any needed repairs. If you think this might be the issue, I can help you determine an accurate value and asking price.

Yes, it’s painful to spend money on repairs and improvements that you won’t get to enjoy for long. But if your home is older and hasn’t gotten much TLC in a while, start making some updates to make the home more appealing to buyers. These don’t have to be major renovations or expensive improvements. Several small tweaks, such as upgrading ceiling fans, faucets, and cabinet handles, and adding a fresh coat of paint inside and outside can go a long way to improving the perceived value of the home and winning over buyers. Updating some appliances can also help freshen up the home and make it look cared for.

If you’re still living in the home, it’s a challenge to keep it spick and span and smelling lovely — especially if you have kids or pets. But seeing a cluttered house makes it difficult for buyers to picture how they would live there. And smells, like those from pets or smoking, can really turn them off. Do your best to keep the home tidy for showings, and don’t hesitate to hire a professional cleaner. If you think smells might be an issue, address root causes where you can (like getting rid of carpets pets have peed on or fixing mildew issues). Beyond that, light some scented candles, spray some Febreze, and consider baking cookies or other deliciously-scented desserts before a showing.

If you’re unsure why your home isn’t selling, please reach out so I can help you determine what’s going on and help you address any issues. 

Stage Your Home To Sell

When selling your home, you need it to shine and appeal to every buyer possible. Staging your home appropriately will help potential buyers connect with your home and picture their daily lives in your home. 

You already know that you must clean and declutter like you’ve never cleaned before, but I wanted to pass on a few ideas that go beyond cleaning that will help you stage your home to sell.

Show off your lighting. When staging your home, you want to make sure that it’s bright. Replace any burned out bulbs, clean your windows, and open your blinds to let in the natural light. You do not want the first comment from a potential buyer to be, “It’s dark in here.”

Don’t be afraid to switch up your furniture. Move couches and loveseats away from the walls. You’ll be surprised at the space it creates. Moving furniture to face each other also shows the natural flow of a room. Remember: you’re showing your home to sell, so things won’t be the way you live in them.

Arrange your pillows, accessories, artwork, and chairs in threes, fives, even sevens. Designers say it’s more appealing to the eye. Give it a try.

Do you have an odd room or unique floor plan? Don’t hide it. Make this space into a useable space. A unique space will be appealing.

I hope these tips help you prepare your home to sell. If you need professional advice, I’m here to help. 

Give me a call or send me a text to set up a time to talk about your home.

Does Your Home Make a Good First Impression?

Making a good first impression is important in business, dating, and selling a home, especially here in beautiful Orange County. 

In this fun but true video, we lighten it up by comparing home shopping to a first date. Enjoy these tips along with how they apply to home showings, and avoid the 3 biggest turn-offs for potential buyers interested in purchasing your home!

A first impression is lasting, and you’d never show up on a blind first date not looking and smelling your best. So shower, apply light fragrance, dress neat, and smile.

Odors, pleasant and unpleasant, are one of the first things noticed. Everyone has their own unique smell, and if it includes pet smells and/or smoking, it’s a big turn-off. This also includes damp or musty smells like trash; these should be addressed with fresh paint and carpets, air fresheners, and cleaning. But don’t overdo the fragrance - that can be a huge turn-off, too.

Nothing is ruder than talking about yourself endlessly. Leave your photo album at home and be ready to ask questions and listen to answers about your date.

When a buyer walks into a home and sees an overabundance of your unique personalization, they don’t feel like they belong. They may feel isolated, and maybe even guilty, about wanting to remove wallpaper to make the home their own. Simplify by removing heavy décor, walls of images, and anything else that can distract from the beauty of the home itself. And don’t take it personally!

It is important to be authentic and to present your best self. Your appearance, language, and honesty will go a long way towards getting that next date!

Buyers notice curb appeal and how well maintained the home is. If gutters are full, weeds are growing out of control, and things are in clear disrepair, they often wonder what problems are hiding below the surface. Performing needed maintenance and cleaning will go a long way in making a good impression.

Now is the time to start getting your house ready to show for selling in the spring. Contact me today to learn the areas of your home to address before spending unneeded time and money, and to make the best first impression.

When is the best time to buy or sell? Hint: It's all in the MARKET

Seller’s Versus Buyer's Market – What's the Difference? 

If you could leverage the real estate market in your favor, would you? 

I'm sure you've heard the term "Seller's Market" here in Orange County and wondered not only what it is, but the impact it has on you as a potential homeowner or as you consider selling. 

Since 4th of July this year our market has SHIFTED from a "Seller's Market" to a "Balanced Market". Here are a few definitions and explanations to help you be educated on the industry terms as well as their effects on your pocketbook. 

In a buyer's market, as a seller, you will want a real estate professional who understands how to best market your home for it to sell. As a buyer, you will want to see only the properties that best meet your needs and work with a great negotiator.

The term "market" is used in several industries and is basically the idea of, like a grocery store, where buyers and sellers meet. Supply and demand (what sellers offer and what buyers want) often dictates price.

In a buyer's real estate market, it means there are more homes available than there are buyers. It allows more freedom to home buyers, giving them the opportunity to shop housing options. Sellers in this market will likely make concessions to attract a buyer, such a lowering their listing price.

A seller's market is when inventory is low, meaning there are more interested buyers than there are attractive homes available for sale. In this market, home prices tend to be higher, but multiple offers are still made on the same property - sometimes even above list price. Prospective home buyers need to be prepared, patient, and ready to act quickly. They may need to make concessions to secure an offer.

As a seller, it is important to work with a real estate professional who understands how to price and position your home properly for the best outcome. As a buyer, a real estate agent on your side will help draft clean and fair offers to help win the best home for you.

Orange County is now shifted to a balanced market. A balanced market is when the real estate market doesn't favor the buyer or the seller. Typically, homes take 3-6 months to sell, and there is a fairly equal amount of buyers and sellers. During this time, there is more time for buyers to shop around, and negotiating skills by real estate professionals are of high value as both buyers and sellers can ask for or make concessions to create the best outcomes.

​Buying or selling? Contact me today to get the results you desire.

3 DIY Projects To Do Before Fall

Home improvement projects can be fun and add value, whether you’re making your home space more usable, more attractive, or more comfortable. Here are three projects to get your creativity flowing based on your skillset.

PAINT YOUR ENTRY DOOR

Painting your front door can increase your curb appeal and give a feeling of newness to your entryway. Choose your color in a glossy exterior paint – a quart should be enough. You may want to test a few colors in various lighting before you make your final decision.

Be sure you paint on a dry day with moderate temperature so the paint can dry and not blister. Start by either removing the door and any hardware or by taping off the areas that aren’t receiving paint. Scrape off any chipping paint, sanding the door if needed. Brush off any dust, dirt, or debris and apply paint with primer, or prime first and then paint it once dry.

Other ideas: freshen up the look of a room with a new paint color, accent wall, or cleanly painted trim.

 

INSTALL A PAVER WALKWAY

Pavers come in all shapes and sizes and can create a flat parking space for an RV, more design and aesthetic to your entry, or even a whimsical path to outdoor space. Quickly spruce up an area, such as a garden, with a border. Or, dig a 5” deep trench set with compacted class V gravel and sand to create a long-lasting foundation for decorative pavers.

Other ideas: consider adding outdoor lighting along your new path or end it with a patio. An outdoor fireplace and seating area will make the space perfect for entertaining.

DO A MIN-MAKEOVER

Kitchen and bathrooms are where we spend most of our time, and a mini-makeover can create a more beautiful or usable space. Replace hardware, add a tile backsplash, or install a new counter or sink to instantly transform your space. Install drawer roll-outs to increase storage and reduce clutter.

Local hardware stores and online tutorials are sure to inspire and instruct you on your makeover. And all these projects can be completed over a weekend.

Other ideas: consider installing shelving and/or organizers in a closet, laundry, or mudroom.

Don’t have the time or skill to do it yourself? Contact me about in-home services from a great handyman, plumber, or electrician.

Why Would Someone Want a Private Home Sale?

Looking to buy or sell a home in Orange County? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at 949-391-3141 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Even if you’re not a real estate agent, you may have heard the term pocket listing before, but what does it mean?

A pocket listing is when a seller approaches a real estate agent and tells them they want to list a home for sale, but they don’t want to put it online, the MLS, or out in public at all. Why would a seller not want a public home sale?

"Pocket listings are a hidden gem."

There are 2 main reasons:

1. They might not be motivated to sell.

A lot of times, pocket listings come from homeowners who don’t want to go through the hassle of putting their home on the MLS and dealing with a ton of showings. They just want buyers who they know are going to buy.

2. They want their privacy.

The person selling the home may be a celebrity or public figure, and want their privacy. It would then be their agent’s job to let other buyers and agents know that the home was available.

If you have any questions for us about pocket listings or anything else real estate related, give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to speaking with you!

Staging Your Home for Top Dollar!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Orange County? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at 949-391-3141 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Earn Top Dollar for your home as a Seller in 5 Easy Steps!

1) Hire the Z Team. With our Proven Repeatable Home Selling System that can get up to 18% more for your home than the average agent. Our Powerful Marketing plan will help to attract multiple offers and get your home sold for the highest possible price!

2) One Piece of our Proven Powerful Marketing Plan is Home Staging. We focus on professionally staging every home we list in some way or form. We find this strategy to be a great way to maximize your homes' exposure, increase your home's marketability and the final price that a buyer is willing to pay for your home.

3) We do a full Complimentary Consultation with you with our team and our professional designers and home stagers. We will coach you on doing some of the most minimal things to get buyer's to pay more. Sometimes, we use our client's furniture exclusively, bring in new pieces, or we can give your home a complete makeover to give it the WOW factor!

"We can give your home a complete makeover to give it the WOW factor!"

4) We’ll bring in our professional photographers and videographers, which includes HD drone aerial photography as allowed by law. With stunning high quality professional photos and video we’ll make your house look like a model home!

5) Let the Z Team's Proven Repeatable Home Selling System go to work for you and help you earn up to 18% more for your home than the average agent.

Ask for my FREE SELLER REPORT on maximizing profits as a seller. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the surrounding area, give me a call or send me an email. I’d be happy to connect with you.

CLICK TO VIEW

Zen's Latest Orange County Housing Market Update
(see the latest sales statistics for every city in O.C.)

Is the California Drought Hurting Orange County Home Sales?

Looking to buy or sell a home in Orange County? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at 949-391-3141 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

CLICK TO VIEW

Zen's Latest Orange County Housing Market Update

(see the latest statistics for every city in O.C.)

Here in Orange County, we are definitely spoiled by the beautiful beaches and perfect weather. We are super excited to talk to you today, because we are in the summer selling season. It's a great time to buy or sell a home!

Usually, one of the pluses of selling during the summertime here in California is that all the flowers are in bloom and the lawn looks great. This year, that is not the case. A lot of people have asked me if the drought is hurting real estate sales, and the simple answer is no. If you're a seller, it could affect the offer you get. Traditionally, lush green grass helps sell a house, and lots of beautiful colorful flowers always make it more appealing to buyers.

However, we can give you some great tips on ways to raise your curb appeal during the drought. We have 25+ years of tricks of the trade to make sure your outdoors is in the best condition. We can help you get top dollar for your home.

If you have any questions about today's topic, please give us a call. If you're a buyer hoping to be moved into your new home before school starts, please contact us. We would love to help you with your real estate questions.

Should You Be Selling Your Orange County Home in 2015?

Looking to buy or sell a home in Orange County? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at 949-391-3141 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions. 

CLICK TO VIEW

Zen's Latest Orange County Housing Market Update

(see the latest statistics for every city in O.C.) 

Hey everyone, welcome back. In Orange County, a lot of people have been asking us about the market in 2015. A lot of people have been asking, "Is this the year to sell and cash out on my Orange County home?"

I track the trends and have a really good grasp on where the market is headed. For example, last year I predicted a 7% home appreciation, and we got 8%. This year, there are other factors we’ve been tracking that people aren't talking about, which is important to note, as these factors will impact both buyers and sellers alike.

One of the most crucial factors to consider will be the upcoming election year of 2016. We know the “cost” of borrowing money will rise, which in turn will affect affordability for buyers. Because of this, it might make sense to move now, while we know what's going on in the market.

Call me now at 949-391-3141 or email me to schedule your FREE Consultation to review your real estate questions, goals and plans so you don't miss out on the opportunity of maximizing your real estate purchase or sale. My team and I appreciate the opportunity of serving you. Talk to you soon!