Should I Stage my Vacant Home?

Are you selling your home and it is vacant? Selling a vacant home can be challenging. Often times the photos are not reflective of how the room is utilized. There can be some challenges when selling a vacant home. You may ultimately decide to stage the home!

Should I stage my vacant home?

Be Objective!

It is important to take any personal emotion out of selling your home!
Even though you may have years of memories with the home, you need to change your thinking and understand that it has become a business transaction. Selling a home may be the biggest financial transaction that you ever complete!

Take a walk through the home, and study it as if you were a buyer. I often tell sellers to think like a buyer! Ask yourself, would you buy the home yourself? If the answer is no, then it is time to get the home ready to sell so that you can sell it in the shortest amount of time for the most money.

Defects are Obvious

You do not want to use furnishings to cover up any defects that may exist in the home. If there are defects, then it is imperative that a seller disclose all material facts about the home to a buyer.

Defects will stand out in a vacant home. They will be obvious. If the paint is uneven and there are holes in the walls, your eye will go straight to that. If the carpet is not clean or threadbare, it is going to appear to a potential buyer that the home is in disrepair. If there are cosmetic defects, then a buyer may assume the major systems of the home have been neglected.

Fix it Up!

A good investment in selling a home is to add a fresh coat of paint. Patch holes from where prior wall art was displaying, and painting a neutral color is ideal (generally white). Don’t be trendy because you are selling the home. Keep in mind, you want to be neutral to appeal to the masses.

Take a look at the carpet and consider replacing it. Or if you have tile floors, and the grout is discolored, consider having the home deeply cleaned. Evaluate the systems of the home including the HVAC. Look to see if you have any faucets dripping or leaking. Look under sinks and see if there is any moisture at all. Also, consider the hose bib and make sure that is not leaking or dripping. Homebuyers will notice that as they walk up to the front door!

You can even update lighting fixtures very inexpensively from local hardware stores Lighting makes a big difference and having a new fixture makes a room look nice!

Vacant Homes are Difficult to Photograph

It is very difficult to differentiate one room from another if they are all vacant. Buyers may not be able to figure out how the room is supposed to be utilized without furnishings. Bedrooms all look the same when a home is vacant.

Remember, the first place a potential buyer is going to view your home is online. So having a bunch of pictures of walls with carpet may not be the best first impression.

Consider Staging the Home

Whether you hire a professional stager or you pick up some decent furnishings, having nice furnishings adds to the home. Staging allows a buyer to understand how a room is used. You may have an office in the front of your home, but how else can it be utilized?

Discuss with your Realtor about staging the home. Most staging companies will get paid when the home sells.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to prepare your home to sell will make a huge difference when selling. Ensuring that the deferred maintenance has been addressed, and adding a fresh coat of paint will be appealing to buyers. You may want to consider staging the home and remember that can get paid when escrow closes.

Living Newport Shores

Hi, my name is Morgan Thomson, I am Sharon’s daughter and here is my view of  living in Newport Beach!

Life in Newport Shores-

Newport Shores in Newport Beach sunset

My neighborhood in Newport Shores in Newport Beach is very fun and always entertaining. The people are always sweet, and the kids are too. Newport Shores in Newport Beach is easy access (biking) to Huntington Beach, river jetty (dog beach), and lots of other places.

Newport shores canal

There is a community pool which has a large pool, where swim lessons during the summer months, and swim meets are held, there is a clubhouse where there is a kitchen and places to dine, it has a volleyball court, with a view of the canal. There is a playground, and a basketball court, and a tennis court with views of the Newport Shores canal. There are many fun things to do when you are at the pool.

Newport Shores pool

It is always very fun living here as a kid. I love the people and the environment.

*The opinions and views expressed in the “Teen Life in Newport Beach” column by Morgan Thomson do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Newport Beach Real Estate Cafe, Living Newport Shores or Sharon Paxson, who are not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied.

 

Newport Shores Garage Sale in Newport Beach

Newport Shores in Newport Beach

Garage Sale in Newport Shores | Newport Shores Garage Sale

The annual Newport Shores garage sale will be held tomorrow May 10, 2014 from 8 am until 11 am. If you are a Newport Shores resident, be sure to set up early and put your items out that are ready to sell. There is generally a great turn out and lots of people from the neighborhood go from house to house and visit the neighbors and pick up some great items.

Newport Shores in Newport Beach

So if you are looking to pick up some great items, be sure to visit Newport Shores tomorrow and look for some great garage sale items from clothing, records, toys, etc. One year someone was selling a huge collection of beannie babies!

Hope to see you tomorrow at the Newport Shores Garage Sale.

Newport Shores Home for Sale | 233 Canal Street | Just Listed!

233 canal street in newport beach

Canal Front Home for Sale

Newport Shores Home for Sale | Home at 233 Canal Street in Newport Beach Just Listed

This gorgeous three bedroom home located on the Canal in Newport Shores has just been listed for sale. This home has been impeccably upgraded and features bamboo hardwood flooring.

This fantastic Newport Shores home for sale is being offered for consideration at $1,799,000.

233 Canal Street in Newport Shores

The outdoor deck is amazing with Newport Shores canal views, and the deck is finish with tumbled travertine. Enjoy the beach evenings with a fire pit also.

Canal front home for sale in Newport Shores

 

233-canal-st-mls-1

The kitchen features stunning granite counter tops and white cabinetry. This home is an entertainer’s dream.

Homes for sale in Newport shores

The Canal view is amazing and given the fact the Canal has recently been dredged, it is being enjoyed by the resident’s of Newport Shores in Newport Beach.

233-canal-st-mls-4

For more information and to a private showing, please contact me.

Newport Shores in Newport Beach | Newport Shores Garage Sale

The Annual Newport Shores Garage Sales & Clean Up Day is  going to be held Saturday, May 18 from 8 AM to 2 PM. Also, there are other great additions this year to the Newport Shores Garage sale.  At the clubhouse, there will be a dumpster, shredding for those documents you no longer want to keep, electronic waste recycling, and there will be hazardous waste removal (for paint, and old batteries). Additionally, the Newport Beach police will be available to register bicycles.

There will also be a box available for you to put any unwanted  books which will be donated to the Costa Mesa Senior Center.

This is a great opportunity to get your house organized and clean for summer, and network with your neighbors. Also, who knows what treasure you will find in Newport Shores.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

Find other information about Newport Shores here.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Newport Shores Easter Egg Hunt | Newport Shores 2013

Newport Shores in Newport Beach Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt in Newport Beach | Newport Shores Easter Festivities | 2013

Newport Shores in Newport Beach Easter Egg Hunt

 

This coming Saturday, March 30th there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in Newport Shores. This hunt begins at 10AM. There will be refreshments including coffee (for adults).

Please bring Easter treats to share with your neighbors. There will be a limit for each child participating in the hunt of approximately two dozen eggs.

The Newport Shores Easter Egg hunt will be held at the Newport Shores clubhouse at 10 am.

Please drop off  two dozen filled plastic Easter eggs (filled with candy or goodies) for each child participating at 4 Canal Circle on Thursday, March 28th to Friday, March 29th.  All children up to age 12 are invited to participate in the hunt.

The younger children ages 4 and under hunt on the Clubhouse beach.

Medium age children ages 5-7 will hunt in the pool area.

And the older children hunt in area outside the Clubhouse. A fun time for all, and hope to see you there.

Happy Easter!

 Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Newport Shores Market Update | Newport Beach Homes for Sale

Newport Bech surf photo - 68th street

Newport Shores in Newport Beach | Market Update | January, 2013

Newport Shores in Newport Beach is a beach community  which is located on the west side of Newport Beach. There are approximately 440 homes which are located on the west side of Newport Beach.  Living in Newport Shores provides a wonderful beach lifestyle.  There are single family homes,  condos, and duplexes in Newport Shores. The Army Corp of Engineers has begun dredging the Newport Shores Canal and the dredging continues.It is going to be so nice, and the water will be so clear. The residents cannot wait for this job to be completed, but it is interesting just the same to watch!

Newport Shores

The community of Newport Shores has a community pool, tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court and clubhouse,  for the residents of Newport Shores in Newport Beach.

Currently, there are 1 active listings, and 1 in back up, 0 pending and 0 sales, and 1 on hold  in January, 2013.

Average price of sold homes over past one year was $934,861 with a price per square foot of $598.63.  The highest priced sale in Newport Shores in the past one year sold for $1,400,000 on the Canal on 62nd Street. The highest priced home sold on the interior in Newport Shores was $1,030,000.

Median price for the past one year is $834,500 and a price per square foot of $580.85.

1 Active Listings compared to 0 in December, 2012 – up +1
1 Back Up compared to 2 back up in December, 2012 – down -1
0 Pending Sales compared to 0 pending in December, 2012 – the same
0 Solds compared to 3 sales in December, 2012 – down -3

Inventory is incredibly low, and if you are with the pent up buyer demand, why not list your Newport Beach home now to avoid the spring rush.

For complimentary market analysis, please contact me.

For a complimentary, no obligation Market Snapshot of all the homes listed and sold in your area, visit www.NewportBeachHomeValue.com and sign up for Market Snapshot delivered right to your email.

Previous months Newport Shores market reports:

January, 2013
December, 2012
November, 2012
October, 2012
September, 2012, Market Report
August, 2012 Market Report
July, 201 2 Market Report
June, 2012, Market Report
May, 2012 Market Report
April, 2012 Market Report
March, 2012 Market Report
February, 2012 Market Report
January, 2012 Market Report
December, 2011 Market Report

Market absorption is still considered a seller’s market in Newport Shores in Newport Beach. There are no active listings at this time.

Market update in Newport Shores

Search the MLS for Newport Shores homes for sale in Newport Beach.

[idx-listings linkid=”108570″ count=”50″ showlargerphotos=”true”]

Dredging Continues in Newport Shores in Newport Beach

Newport Shores Dredging

Contractors for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are continuing to dredge the area near Newport Shores and the Santa Ana River Marsh in Newport Beach.

This project is to improve the water circulation and channel depths. Contractors have told me that the project is supposed to be completed by the end of March, 2013.

Newport Shores Dredging

It is quite interesting to watch this project. They have actually built dams and part of the Newport Shores canal is currently drained so they can dredge it. It is interesting to watch as they laid down steel to create a road for the big equipment to operate from. The heavy equipment operators are quite skilled.

IMG_1296

 

The dredging is only continuing to the beginning of 62nd Street as that area is operated by the City of Newport Beach.

I will keep you updated of future dredging updates in Newport Shores.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Dredging has Begun in the Newport Shores Canal!!

Newport Shores in Newport Beach is surrounded by a Canal which is fed by the tide. Newport Shores is surrounded by the Canal which is fed the tide. The water level rises along with the tide. On the Canal Street side – the water way is fairly good size, and it makes for a very nice stand up paddle board ride or kayak.

IMG_1260

This area is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers and they have begun dredging this area. It is quite exciting for the Newport Shores residents because it has not been done for about 18 years (from what I was told).

The dredging will be done up behind the tennis court (near Canal Circle) and will not continue down the 62nd Street side as that area is managed by the City of Newport Beach.

IMG_1261

IMG_1262

 

I will keep you udpated with photographs and videos of this great progress!!!

Living the Community of Newport Shores in Newport Beach, CA

Homes for Sale in Newport Shores in Newport Beach | Newport Shores in Newport Beach

Newport Shores Canal

 Newport Shores is located on the west side of Newport Beach located off Coast Highway. Newport Shores is surround by a canal which goes up and down along with the  tide. There are Canal front home in Newport Shores. The homes on Canal Street face west and do enjoy afternoon sunsets. The Canal front home on 62nd Street enjoy morning sunshine and a lovely view. There are herons, ducks, and birds to enjoy watching. There are occasionally swans who come to visit, and in the past there have been geese who resided in the Canal. The Canal can only be utilized for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. There are no motor boats utilized on the Canal in Newport Shores.

Newport Shores in Newport Beach is a beach community located off Coast Highway Newport Shores is a unique community of approximately 400 homes. Newport Shores in Newport Beach is literally across the street from Coast Highway and Orange Street in Newport Beach. There are both single family homes and duplexes located in Newport Shores in Newport Beach.


View Newport Shores in Newport Beach in a larger map

Located walking distance from Newport Shores is a very popular surfing spot – the River Jetty. Located on Coast Highway just outside of the Newport Shores community is the Frog House. The Frog House sells surf boards, wetsuits, and other associated surfing gear.  The Frog House has been in existence since 1962 and is owned by TK Brimer. And you will get great service and help when you walk in the Frog House.

Frog House in Newport Beach

The residents of Newport Shores attend Newport Elementary School which is one of the only schools in the country on the beach.  Additionally, many of the residents of Newport Shores children do rides their bikes to school, and it is a great way to start the day riding along the beach. The middle school for Newport Shores in Newport Beach is Horace Ensign Middle School, and the teenagers attend Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach.

Newport Shores does have a home owner’s association, and there is a community clubhouse, heated pool, tennis court, sand volley ball court and basketball court for the use of the residents. Additionally there are two children’s parks with swings as well.

Newport Shores pool

Newport Shores offers activities throughout the year including 4th of July parade, and festivities through out the day. There are barbecues for Memorial Day and Labor Day, and a personal favorite is the Holiday Home Tour which is held in early December. Newport Shores really does have a sense of community with getting the residents together for different activities.

Newport Shores in Newport Beach is in a great location. It is an easy bike ride to Huntington Beach pier and Main Street in Huntington Beach. There are lots of different activities at the Huntington Beach Pier including the annual Nike US of Open Surf Contest.  Newport Shores is also an easy bike ride to Newport Beach pier or Balboa Pier.

If you are considering living in Newport Shores in Newport Beach, please contact me.

Search the MLS for a Newport Shores Home for Sale, and homes for sale in Newport Shores in Newport Beach.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com

Newport Shores in Escrow | 218 Walnut Street

Newport Shores Home for Sale | 218 Walnut Street

This beautiful four bedroom home in Newport Shores at 218 Walnut Street is in escrow. This stunning home which has been remodeled throughout, is listed at $1,095,000.

218 Walnut Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663

This home features an upgraded kitchen with marble counters and stainless appliances. Downstairs there are stunning hardwood floors in the living room with a gorgeous fireplace for the cool evenings to enjoy time with family and friends.

All the bedrooms of this Newport Shores home for sale are located upstairs, and there is a stunning deck to enjoy the Newport Beach climate.

Newport Shores in Newport Beach is a great community of approximately 440 homes located on the West side of Newport Beach. Walk to the beach and enjoy all that accompanies the beach lifestyle.

If you are searching for a Newport Shores home, please contact me.

Originally posted at NewportBeachRealEstateCafe.com