by Dee Marie Fisher on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
One-of-a-Kind Converted Homes
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How interesting is this……. Warehouses, factories, barns, and churches are more commonly being re-purposed into residences, but for the adventurous buyer with a budget for renovation, no structure is off limits as a potential home. We don't see an abundance of re-purposed homes such as these on the west coast, however, Encinitas can lay claim to the famous "Boat Houses" on 3rd Street.
Does anyone know of other unique homes in San Diego County? Please let me know!
Have you thought about how "green" it is to convert a unused building into a residence?
I don't expect most people will all be moving into reclaimed trains, planes, and automobiles any time soon… however, I think these home designs are a lot of fun. They can show a buyer what's fun, comfortable, and unique outside the track home box and dream what's different.
You may not need to live in an airplane today but maybe you can reuse some lumber or furniture, or perhaps switch to paints that are better for your air quality.
MSN Real Estate article has more on re-purposed homes and tips to saving energy in your current home.
by Dee Marie Fisher on Monday, May 13, 2013
San Diego's Homes Golden Triangle – Del Mar, La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe
Already sales of homes that sold for $2 million or more rose 13% in San Diego County from a year ago. While that increase sounds promising for a depressed market, real estate and financial insiders say steep price cuts and expected tax hikes helped drive sales. Another factor that helped was home shoppers seeking bargains. This seven-figure home market is about 47% off from its peak in 2005, which indicates the price range was crushed by the housing crash…. as many of us Realtors experienced.
The local million dollar home sub-market also is behind when compared with the overall housing market in San Diego County, where total sales are 24% higher than a year ago. A few months ago, potential buyers may have been able to afford the properties at the listing price levels – and even pay cash – but weren't willing to do so. The listing prices for the 10 most expensive homes sold last year were cut anywhere between 2.2% to 44%.
Buyers have been increasing in the luxury, high-end real estate market in Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla this spring with many homes that have been sitting on the market already pending. One factor that sellers need to take into consideration in 2013 is the capital gains tax increase…. determine your cost in selling.
The ten most expensive homes that sold in San Diego ranged from $16,250,000 – $7,425,000 and in the neighborhoods of Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, and Carlsbad.
by Dee Marie Fisher on Saturday, May 11, 2013
11 Features Home Buyers Like…
Many of the features homeowners desire involve the kitchen. These include stainless steel appliances and a kitchen island. The kitchen is a major focal point for the home buyers, acting as an informal gathering place.
The home buyers age will dictates what features are desirable….
- More people age 35 to 54 found the internal features of a house to be very important in making a decision than any other age group.
- Younger and first time home buyers want to build equity and features may not be as important.
- Young families find certain amenities such as yards, child-friendly neighborhoods, and school districts are important.
The features described from this survey are not necessarily the most important deciding factors for potential home buyers. Most realistically, when looking at a house, the first things people consider are factors such as: neighborhood, school district, and the commute to jobs.
Using data from the survey, the following list are features that homeowners are willing to pay extra for:
- Central air conditioning
- New kitchen appliances
- Walk-in closet in master bedroom
- Granite countertops
- Hardwood floors
- Ensuite master bath
- Kitchen island
- Stainless steel appliances
- Home less than 5 years old
- Eat-in kitchen
- One or more fireplaces
After reading this article and seeing the list do you agree? What would you pay extra for?
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