We’re taught not to judge a book by its cover. But oftentimes, a buyer will decide in less than a few seconds if they want to make an offer on your home based solely on the exterior appearance. Because curb appeal plays such a significant role in a successful sale, it’s important to see your home from a buyer’s perspective. Even simple cosmetic touches could have a substantial impact on getting the price you want.
When it comes to first impressions, siding is one of the most important elements of your home. And these days, you have plenty of options to choose from, so don’t get stuck on just brick and wood. Try something fun — and functional — to freshen up your frontage.
We recently saw a home with a new face of fiber cement. This material has the log-lasting durability you need in the Bay Area, where we get all kinds of weather — even sleet and snow. When you add a sleek aesthetic and resistance to persistent wildfires, this is one investment that will pay you back whether you’re staying or selling.
Taking things down to the studs? Use this opportunity to install steel siding. It won’t melt in the sun or crack in the cold, and it’s resistant to moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. And unlike traditional siding, it doesn’t need recaulking or repainting down the road. All this will save you big bucks on maintenance!
In a recent poll sponsored by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, 77% of residents said the City by the Bay is heading in the wrong direction. Top concerns included crime, cleanliness, and costs. Meanwhile, hotel occupancy rates hit 61% in March, a 28% year-over-year increase. So it’s clear that folks from outside SF may have a different opinion.
All this could equate to opportunity for savvy buyers looking to take advantage of an exodus!
As building costs, fraud, and risk from wildfires and other climate disasters continue to rise, some insurance companies are backing away from issuing new homeowner policies in the Golden State. What does this mean for potential buyers and sellers?
If you’re thinking of buying a home in California, you should get a head start on finding a home insurer who will give you a good policy at an affordable rate before making an offer. Understanding your annual expenses is a key factor in determining how high you’re willing to go.
Insurance companies aren’t nonprofits, and they’re not stupid either. They already know the risks of insuring properties in earthquake country, and the recent trend of wildfires hasn’t made the equation any more favorable to them. In other words, don’t hate the player, Hate the game!
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released data from the once-a-decade count, and the report shows that our share of senior residents expanded significantly from 2010 to 2020 and faster than any decade in more than a century. Meanwhile, birth rates continue to decline as more younger couples delay having children to focus on education and careers. The AP has more on the numbers.
As usual, the Census contains some valuable nuggets of data that sellers can leverage to successfully market their homes. For example, 1 in 6 Americans is 65 and older — up from 1 in 8 in 2010 — and our median age has risen eight years since 1980 to 38.8. That means even the perfect social media post may not reach as many potential buyers as a traditional direct mail campaign.
Additionally, it’s interesting to note that 5% of households included three or more generations, and about 19% of Americans reported living with relatives. Given these numbers, it would be wise to highlight an existing ADU on your property — or the potential for adding one. On the flip side, about 28% of households were solo occupants. That’s 35 million possible buyers who may not care as much about schools and other concerns for families and couples.
