Ok,  this is interesting....big article last week in the San Francisco Chronicle (and lots of other newspapers too....but read this one first)....about Zillow-Trulia merger and how that is going to affect the real estate market.  Of course we've seen lots and lots of changes in the real estate business over the years.  I remember way back when I first started in 1977 we had the MLS book where every listing was posted and the book came out once a week.  Heaven forbid if we didn't have our current MLS book with us at all times, in case a buyer or seller had questions about a listing.  New "pendings" and recorded "sales" would be posted in the new books weekly too. But the book got bigger and bigger and heavier and heavier....good grief, it was starting to feel like carrying Websters Dictionary around with us.    Ahhhhhh,  then came the computer and MLS online.  Granted, there were some "old timers"  who whined and cried and complained about not having the book,  but alas.....technology was here to stay,  and we all adjusted.  Just as we will all adjust to all of these online real estate services being offered.

My thinking is this.....anything that gets you information quickly and easily can't be all bad, can it.  Now granted, all of this information "may" not be current and "may" not be accurate, but probaby for the most part,  it can get you pretty decent information.  Our challenges as consumers has been getting this information accurately and completely. If you're trying to pull up the value of your home on Zillow or Trulia  then trying to convince your Realtor you know more about values than he or she or our current MLS comps are.....that's when you run into trouble.   Taking a photo from "space" and comparing one home to another based on square footage or location alone,  will not,  I repeat NOT get you an accurate valuation of your homes worth.  

As a long-time ( 35+years) Realtor who has seen many many changes over the years,  I assure you,  the Professional Realtor is not going to be replaced by these online real estate services.
The Chronicle article says "change in the real estate business is inevitable"....true true true.  And what is also true,  is Realtors provide very valuable services to both buyers and sellers.  I just completed a sale for my buyers up in Rancho Murieta and in the course of the transaction made at least 5 trips up there, assisting my buyers with their inspections,  appraiser,  providing resources for handymen, showing them at least 12 other homes before deciding on the one they liked.....gave them a tour of the clubhouse and facilities.....just a litany of services all done before the sale even closed!  They were lovely folks who  were referred by her son, whom I'd sold a home to several years ago.  But had they just found the home on a website,  they were still going to want to see the inside,  see other homes to see how they compared size-wise and price-wise...then they needed a professional to write up the contract and negotiate for them....and on and on and on.  You get my point.

We, as Realtors,  work very hard on behalf of our clients.  Even though most of my business now is repeat and referral,   I always provide a list of current and recent clients who would be more than happy to speak about their experience in working with me.  I think it's prudent of buyers and sellers to ask for that list, regardless of what Realtor they elect to work with.

Use the websites to  get an idea of what kinds of homes are in the neighborhood you're looking for, what the "approximate" values might be,  the parks, schools, shopping....these websites can provide that kind of general information.  But if you're a serious buyer or seller,  find a good professional and knowledgeable Realtor to work with and they'll find you the perfect home....or get you top dollar when you're ready to sell yours!

Better yet...CALL ME!  I'd love to help you.....I was born and raised here in Sacramento,  attended Coloma, Kit Carson, Sac High and then graduated from CSUS.......   PATTI MARTINEZ 447-1451

Quick update on Land Park real estate.....July 15th, 2014.

Our market in Land Park has been very very strong these past months, so I thought I'd give you some quick statistics regarding sales.  Currently there are 30 "active" listings in Land Park....what I refer to as Census Tr 22,23,24  from Broadway to Sutterville....#5 on the West and Freeport Blvd. on the East....
The 30 active listings range from a low of $277,000 to a high of $1,249,950.   So we've got homes that fit practically every budget.....   then we go to "Pending Sales"...we currently have 22 homes that are in "pending sale" status.  You may not always see a pending sale sign on the property until all of the buyers contingencies have been removed.  Seller and agents don't want to lose out on any prospective buyers who call on the sign, in the unlikely event that something happens and the sale falls through.  Nothing worse than seeing a SOLD sign go up.....then the SOLD sign comes down....but once the "pending sale" sign goes up,  that's a pretty safe bet that everything is progressing smoothly on the sale.
With regard to sales that have SOLD and closed  there have been 35 escrows that have closed on homes in Land Park just since May 1st.  The least expensive sale was $275,000 and the most expensive was a whopping $1,755,000 !!

So you see, our Land Park market is very stable and very healthy.  If you're looking for a home to purchase definitely connect with a local Realtor like myself....or any of the other great Realtors who work our neighborhood....and sign up for a Homefinder Acct on our website,  so you can be notified of every new listing that comes on the market.....  OR,  if you're thinking of selling.... call me!  I'd love to help you.   I've been listing and selling in Land Park for over 35 years and would welcome the opportunity to assist you.  Even if you're just "thinking" about making a move and your plan may not come to fruition for a few months,  touch bases with me and get some good information as to how to prepare your home for sale...and what you might be able to do to make it more appealing and get you more $$$$$.

Here's what I noticed yesterday......lots more "open house" signs in Land Park.  So what does this mean?  Just "might" mean if houses aren't priced in that "sweet spot" they're not selling overnight like they were recently.   Remember in the wintertime when you'd drive down Land Park Drive or Riverside Blvd. looking for open houses....and just "maybe" you'd see one or two open houses?  That meant houses were priced right, inventory was low and they were selling lickity split!  Well,  our inventory is still low,  but just maybe the prices out there should be just a titch lower?

There are some darling homes on the market right now.... whether you're looking at Land Park, East Sacramento, Fruitridge,  Greenhaven........and for the most part,  they're all showing very well and close to what will probably be their selling price.  But I just thought I'd share with you that for reasons still unclear....you've got a great selection right now of available homes for sale and probably more availability  than what we've seen recently.   Go take a look!

Cash buyers still hovering.....

According to data put out by McClatchy News Systems this morning,  1/3 of all buyers of homes these days is paying cash.  Not news to those of us "in the business".... When agents get listings under the $180K price point, probably 80% of the offers they receive are "all cash" offers from investors.  I haven't experienced that as much when we have listings over $400,000, like the news article mentions,  but there are sure alot of folks out there with lots of cash...snapping up the lower priced properties.  I agree with what the article says,  that the investment return on real estate is alot higher than what you're getting on other investments, so now while prices aren't yet back up to what they were a few years ago,  it's a perfect time to buy!

Unfortunately, the first time home buyer is at a distinct disadvantage when having to compete with these cash buyers.  Many times my sellers have wanted to sell to the "owner occupant" but is lured by the buyer who wants to pay all cash and take the property as is with sellers doing no work.  You can hardly blame them.....but on the other hand,  as a 36 year veteran Realtor, nothing is more satisfying than selling a home to first time buyers or "move up" buyers who want to enjoy a home of their own.

Our market is still hot hot hot

Well, things are back to normal in Land Park.....a home comes up for sale and within 2 weeks you've got a sale pending on it!  Lots of homes are being staged so they show nicely and they always bring in more $$$$..... there sure aren't many "under $400K homes for sale" but we've seen some beautiful homes in the mid $500ies come up for sale....most are snapped up within a week of coming on the market.  Most agents have their own websites where you can go sign up and get notified of new listings the minute they come onto the market...saves you and the agent an incredible amount of time and gives you that advantage over those who used to drive up and down the streets......  go to my website if you'd like to give it a try....it's very easy.  You'll love it!  PattiMartinez.net