Thursday, January 26, 2012

Should you remodel in your city?

Remodeling Magazine has issued their second annual forecast on the top 100 cities in terms of remodeling activity when measured against "the level of activity in first-quarter 2007, which was the peak of remodeling activity nationally in the prior decade."  They have dubbed their "measuring stick" to be the Residential Remodeling Index ("RRI").  We find their list an interesting commentary on the health of the nationwide real estate market.  One wonders - Does this remodeling index point to and correlate with the sales activity in that community as well?  Or is it the indication that homeowners are staying in their homes and remodeling rather than moving?

In order, the top ten based on the RRI are:  Cincinnati, Houston, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Kansas City, Charlotte (North Carolina), Oklahoma City and Philadelphia.

In our state, California, the following cities made the list:  San Francisco (#35), San Diego (#49), Sacramento (tied for #51), San Jose (tied for #54), Los Angeles (#66), Riverside (#79), Ventura (#84).

Did your city make the list?  Check it out here:  Top 100 Remodeling Markets

Friday, January 20, 2012

Winter Real Estate Market Heats Up

Yes, it may still be winter, but the real estate market has started with an early thaw.

Real estate agents report that phone calls into their office have increased in number since the doldrums of the holiday real estate market.

Open houses have been well-attended.  A recent open house on our new listing was busy from the moment the door opened, until closing.  Buyers were not only looking at the house, but talking about their plans to purchase.  This represents a change from the general outlook during 2011, when buyers were more hesitant to express their desire to purchase, and seemed more "on the fence" about buying a home.

FreddieMac recently came out with their January 2012 Economic Outlook.     You can read the pdf version here.

While those who make predictions are hedging their real estate bets, the home buyers we are talking with have an optimistic outlook on their home buying prospects.  Historically low interest rates and lower home prices certainly are contributing to this positive feeling.  Also, buyers are feeling more "settled" in their jobs.

Sellers may see an increase in activity.  Indeed, one of our recent new listings received multiple offers within the first week of marketing.   We encourage sellers to take a hard, realistic look at their listing price before putting their property on the market.  We find that sellers who are pricing their homes more in line with the marketplace, without an extra "pad" in the price, are creating an encouraging signal to home buyers.

Yes, it's a winter thaw.   Let's hope the real estate market continues to bloom in spring, and heat up in summer!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Technorati

Claim code:  DEHSQJM9JZZY

Thursday, January 12, 2012

4855 Ocean View Blvd., La Canada, CA 91011

View our new La Canada listing

4855 Ocean View Blvd.
Offered at $649,000

Open Sunday, January 15 from 2 to 4 pm


Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

Dilbeck Real Estate is independently owned and operated.

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Fran and Rowena Year End 2011


Are you thinking of selling your La Canada, La Crescenta or Pasadena home in 2012?

Call us for a free, confidential real estate consultation.

Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659





Fran and Rowena, real estate marketing specialists ... help you get your home sold!

Let us help you move to the next, great chapter in your life!

Friday, October 07, 2011

Fran and Rowena Summer Ad

SOLD! What Fran and Rowena did on their summer vacation




Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
1030 Foothill Blvd.
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
(818) 952-0077
CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Gated Estate - Modern Design - La Canada Flintridge

Architectural Modern Gated Estate

3820 Domal Lane
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011
Now offered at $2,495,000









This dramatic home was designed by noted La Canada architect Jack Simison. Mountain, city and valley views! Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a home of significant architectural design. Award-winning La Canada schools.

For additional information, please contact:
Fran and Rowena
Dilbeck Real Estate Real Living
(818) 952-0077
email: info (at) franandrowena.com

CA DRE #00966791 and #00913659.
Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Dilbeck Real Estate is independently owned and operated.