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Market Snapshot from the CA Assn of Realtors

Buying  a Home Today: Rates, Prices, and Loans: Rarely has housing affordability in California been as high as it is now.  The statewide median home price in California is at 2001-02 levels and mortgage rates hit their lowest level ever in 2011.  Yet, the media reports that households are having trouble obtaiing loans and the share of first-time buyers in the market is much lower than expected, given such low prices and rates.  Which raises the question, is this measure of housing affordability accurate?

Although the California Assn. of Realtors's Housing Affordabiltiy Index shows that 52% of California households have sufficiently high incomes to afford the median prices homes.  Although this report shows that affordability may be near record highs, it does not account for underwriting standards implemented by lenders and banks.  Today, there are extremely tough standards being placed on mortgage applicants by lending institutions.  This is hindering the ability for many households, especially  first-time buyers, to take advantage of the great affordabiltiy of housing at this time. 

According to those in the know, curb appeal is the number one factor in beginning the sales process for houses as well as condos.  It's simple.  The appeal of your home from the street is what lures people to the door and inside.

All the upgrades that people do to the inside of their home won't matter if you cannot get buyers inside.  A boring facade requires some sales pitch from the agent.  Curb appeal makes the agent's job easier.

Here are factors important to curb appeal:

Check the condition of the roof; fix it if necessary.

Make sure windows are painted and well maintained.

Repair cracks in the sidewalk and driveway.

Fix faulty handrails.

Improve lighting for the address number or highlight your front walkway with lights.

Ensure the address number is easy to read.

Get a new doormat.

Paint the front door an attractive color.

Put urns or planters on either side of the door (in winter, use evergreens).

Get rid of visible storage, recycling boxes or other junk visible from the road.

Throw in some attractive landscaping and the house is transformed.

These ideas are from http//curbappeals.com