These market updates provide the latest information regarding home sales in Walnut Creek, Danville and San Ramon as provided the Contra Costa County Association of Realtors.
If you would like help interpreting this information as it might apply to your situation or if you are interested in market data in a different city, please give me a call at 925.451.9904. It would be my pleasure to provide market insights in your area.
Are you considering selling a home during the winter, but wondering if you should hold off until Spring? Surprisingly, they are some advantages to selling a home during the winter months that may surprise you!
The Internet Doesn’t Know its Winter!
When it comes to a home search, it’s no surprise that nearly 95% of home buyers use the internet as the starting point in their home search. With instant access to properties, the temperature outside is irrelevant.
And although spring is definitely the king of the home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the prowl—checking out listings on their tablet just before bed or browsing listings during their kids’ sports events. The weather may be cool and holiday activities may ensue, but home buyers will keep shopping with the internet at their fingertips. In fact, in the Bay Area, the Buyer pool far outweighs the current inventory. A well-priced home in good condition often receives multiple offers over list price.
Less Sellers Means Less Competition
Once spring arrives, homes will begin to saturate the market and your home will be competing with many others in the bigger real estate pond. During the winter, a serious buyer has less homes to choose from. This results in less competition for a seller which could actually result in a faster home sale.
Buyers Aren’t Fooling Around
Buyers that are willing to schedule around holiday plans and inclement weather are not just casually browsing. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s a relocation, an expiring lease, relocation, or even a contract on their current home.
A Little Extra Free Time
It’s wise to keep in mind that many people have more scheduled time off from a hectic work schedule during the winter holidays. This fact can swing in your favor as potential buyers are searching the internet and looking at potential homes while dreaming of future décor.
Tips for Selling in the Winter
If you decide to sell your home during the winter, remember a few things to get buyers in the mood:
Cozy. If you have a fireplace, light it! Simmer some mulled cider on the stove and play some quiet holiday music in the background.
Check those Outdoor Lights. Don’t leave potential Buyers stumbling around in the dark. Make sure your outdoor lighting is in good working condition.
Keep the Landscape Clean. Rake the leaves regularly and plant some cyclamen, pansies, mums or other cool-weather annuals for a spark of color
If you have questions about selling your home, I’d love to give you my perspective on your personal situation. Call anytime!
If I asked you to name the most popular countertop material day, you may be surprised at the answer!
Granite, which has long been considered the “King of Countertops” may be losing steam. For decades, granite has been considered the gold standard for kitchens and baths. Although it remains popular due to its beauty and durability, the “New Kids on the Block” in the countertop arena bear serious consideration if new countertops are in your future.
What Materials Are Now Competing Against Granite for Countertops?
Quartz
Granite, marble and other natural stones aren’t expected to disappear anytime soon, but quartz is quickly emerging as a new favorite and granite’s biggest rival. There are several reasons for its growing popularity.
Because quartz is a manmade material with approximately 90% ground-up quartz mixed with other resin and polymers, it offers some benefits that stand out to many homeowners.
Color choices and consistency: Manufacturers have greater control over pigments used in an engineered product, which allows the creation of nearly unlimited colors and patterns. Natural stones like granite are mined in slabs from quarries, so the colors and patterns are pre-set by nature and can’t be “dialed up” like they can with quartz and consistency of pattern may be difficult to achieve.
Nonporous composition: Because granite is porous, it can absorb liquids from spills. Many manufacturers recommend sealing granite to keep out mold and other bacteria. Quartz, on the other hand, is a nonporous surface and requires no sealing. It’s user friendly!
Eco-friendliness: Because quartz is an engineered material that doesn’t tap into natural resources the same way as granite, it is considered more environmentally friendly.
Quartzite
Many people confuse the term quartzite with quartz. However, quartzite is actually a natural stone, similar to granite. Although it is harder and more durable than granite, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining. Quartzite can be found in a range of attractive colors but can be more expensive to purchase and install than either granite or quartz.
Marble
Marble is another natural stone that is often used in upscale homes, but it’s tricky to use in a kitchen because it scratches more easily than granite and requires more diligent upkeep.
Dekton
Another engineered stone countertop alternative is Dekton which is made from a blend of the same materials found in quartz, glass, and porcelain. It’s billed as being the hardest, most durable surface available, standing up to heat, scratches, and stains, but it’s also expensive, making it less attractive to many homeowners.
Butcher Block
Butcher block countertops, which are simply wood slabs made up of many individual wooden strips layered together, add a warm look to the kitchen Although they are an affordable choice for countertops, upkeep includes sealing the wood monthly.
Concrete Concrete countertops offer the benefit of limitless customization, as the concrete can be poured in any shape, thickness, and color. Although they’re scratch- and heat resistant, they do require periodic sealing to prevent stains. Concrete countertops require considerable skill and artistry, so they can be quite expensive.
Bottom Line?
Homeowners should choose countertops that are most conducive to their lifestyle, personal preference and budget. There are many options available to today’s homeowner. Do your research and choose the product that works best for you.
If you are interested in learning more about home improvements, check out some great ideas on my website here.